Greetings Margaret Mead Community,

At the beginning of this school year, the Mead staff fully committed to educating with a “We Are One” spirit in 2019-20.  In August 2019 before our students arrived, we spent three days focusing on being “We Are One” as a staff—it was a powerful way for us to get ready for the arrival of our Mustangs!  On August 20 when we welcomed our Mustangs back for the start of the school year, we began our “We Are One” work with them.  Over the course of the year, this “We Are One” work was highlighted by a staff vs. student basketball game, bimonthly pep rallies, weekly Advocacy lessons, and a powerful Rally for Respect in January.  Lastly, we focused on being “We Are One” with our community by welcoming our parents into Mead during the Mead Mixer and Fall and Winter Conferences, donating money to the Greater Chicago Food Depository, providing holiday gifts for Mead families in need through our annual Giving Tree, and maintaining the Mead Food Pantry.  When we committed ourselves to our “We Are One” spirit in August, we couldn’t have imagined how important cultivating this idea would be in March when our school went into closure due to the COVID-19 concerns.  During this unique time in both education and in America, the importance and need for “We Are One” has never been greater—because of our strong commitment to “We Are One” we were able to partner through this challenge together!  It is through this hard time that we discovered the importance of each other—truly, We Are One!

Listed below are important updates regarding upcoming end of the school year events:

Locker Clean-Out:  If you were unable to come to Mead to retrieve your child’s items from their hallway/PE lockers and pick-up other items, please email me directly at scottross@nullsd54.org to arrange a time to come and pick-up your child’s items.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 27 Last Day of School:  The last day of seventh and eighth grade student virtual learning is Wednesday, May 27.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 27 Eighth Grade Virtual Graduation:  The Eighth Grade Virtual Graduation Ceremony will be a pre-recorded video on the District 54 YouTube channel.  Please note that this is not a live event.  The pre-recorded video will allow your family to watch the virtual ceremony when most convenient for you.  The link to the Virtual Graduation Ceremony video will be available on our school website at 7:00 pm on Wednesday, May 27.  I will also send the link to the video via a community email that evening.  The itinerary for the Virtual Graduation Ceremony is listed below:

1. District 54 Introduction
2. Principal Welcome
3. Message from the District 54 Board of Education
4. Student Addresses to the Class of 2020
5. American Legion and Ron Foster Award recognitions
6. Message from Staff to the Class of 2020
7. Scroll of Graduating Student Names
8. Picture Slideshow of Graduating Class set to music

THURSDAY, MAY 28 Eighth Grade Chromebook Drop-Off and Diploma/Yearbook/Medication Pick-Up: On Thursday, May 28, we will be utilizing a “drive-through” model with parents/children staying in vehicles to drop-off and pick-up the following items:

• Chromebook and Chromebook charger—please do not return the Chromebook case because it is your child’s to keep.
• Once we receive the Chromebook, then your child will receive their diploma.
• Drop-off your child’s eighth grade letter to themselves—this was an assignment given to them by their language arts teacher.
• Pick-up yearbook, if ordered.  Please note that we do have extra yearbooks for sale.  Please go to www.jostensyearbooks.com to order a yearbook. The cost is $35 and paid by credit card.  For more information, please email juliemorrison@nullsd54.org or ameliareimel@nullsd54.org if you are not sure if you already ordered yearbook.
• Pick-up graduation photos, if ordered.  If you would like more information regarding graduation photo orders, then please contact visionsphotography@nullsbcglobal.net or MeadPTA@nullgmail.com
• Pick-up medications and/or medical supplies from the school nurse.  If you would like more information regarding these items, then please contact our school nurse at lindabarr@nullsd54.org
• Drop-off school-owned musical instruments.  If you would like more information regarding musical instrument drop-off, then please contact Mrs. Green at jennifergreen@nullsd54.org or Mrs. Kostopulos at hollykostopulos@nullsd54.org
• Pick-up special PTA-purchased memento for the graduating class!

On May 28, we ask that families arrive during the following times to reduce overflow in the Mead parking lot: A-L 8:00 -11:00 am and M-Z 12:00 -3:00 pm.

FRIDAY, MAY 29 Seventh Grade Yearbook/Medication Pick-Up: On Friday, May 29, we will be utilizing a “drive-through” model with parents/children staying in vehicles to drop-off and pick-up the following items:

• Pick-up yearbook, if ordered.  Please note that we do have extra yearbooks for sale.  Please go to www.jostensyearbooks.com to order a yearbook. The cost is $35 and paid by credit card.  For more information, please email juliemorrison@nullsd54.org or ameliareimel@nullsd54.org if you are not sure if you already ordered yearbook.
• Pick-up medications and/or medical supplies from the school nurse.  If you would like more information regarding these items, then please contact our school nurse at lindabarr@nullsd54.org
• NON-RETURNING SEVENTH GRADE STUDENTS ONLY: Drop-off Chromebook and Chromebook charger (please do not return the Chromebook case because it is your child’s to keep) and drop-off school-owned musical instruments.  If you would like more information regarding musical instrument drop-off, then please contact Mrs. Green at jennifergreen@nullsd54.org or Mrs. Kostopulos at hollykostopulos@nullsd54.org

On May 29, we ask that families arrive during the following times to reduce overflow in the Mead parking lot: A-L 8:00 -11:00 am and M-Z 12:00 -3:00 pm.

TUESDAY, JUNE 2 Report Cards:  Report Cards will be available online within the District 54 Parent Portal starting June 2.  An email will be sent to you once your child’s report card is available.  In accordance with the Illinois State Board of Education guidelines, report card grades for the third trimester will be designated as Pass or Incomplete. Final year end grades for students in fourth through eighth grade will reflect second trimester grades or higher as evaluated by student work across the third trimester.  We hope that all families will check the report cards and use the information to celebrate with their children their academic successes. We are all very proud of our students.

District 54 Virtual Learning University: Are you searching for an innovative way to empower your children over the summer? Are you looking for a comprehensive approach to summer learning that combats boredom and keeps everyone engaged? Look no further! Visit the School District 54 Virtual Learning University to tackle challenges for literacy, math, science, social science, social-emotional learning, language and culture too!  Each area has multiple challenges or a toolkit to keep your children’s minds focused and active throughout the summer weeks! Within each category you will find family activities, individual activities and possible places to visit in our community and surrounding areas.  We hope you’ll encourage your children to visit our Virtual Learning University often throughout the summer to challenge themselves and to keep your family learning together. Click here to access the Virtual Learning University or find the link under Popular Links on the District 54 website.

School Closure Reimbursements:  Mead and District 54 will be processing reimbursements for the following food services that were cancelled due to the school closure: Chick-Fil-A and Friday Treats.  District 54 will be reimbursing for Chick-Fil-A through your Parent Portal.  The Mead front office will be reimbursing for Friday Treats by mailing home a check.

PTA Hot Lunch Refund Updates:  A big thank you to our PTA and the Mead community who donated $3800 to our first responders through the PTA Hot Lunch Refund program!  This is truly amazing and worthy of attention and celebration!  Special thanks to Lorie Simon—her work throughout the school year and most recently during our refund program is to be commended!

The Mead PTA Needs Volunteers to serve on the Executive Board:  The Mead PTA is looking for volunteers to help organize events and meet once a month during the school year. Half of the current board will be retiring from our PTA as their children move on to high school. Your help is greatly needed and appreciated. This is an excellent opportunity to participate in your child’s education and help serve the Mead community. Please email the Mead PTA President, Rich Menzia if you are interested at MeadPTA@nullgmail.com

Eighth Grade Graduation Photos:  As mentioned above, eighth grade families can pick-up graduation photos, if ordered, on May 28 at the drive-through pickup event at Mead.  If you would like more information regarding graduation photo orders, then please contact visionsphotography@nullsbcglobal.net or MeadPTA@nullgmail.com

Registration for the 2020-21 school year is now open.  Please visit the District 54 Registration page here for updated information.

History Fair:  Mead is excited to share that we have a record number of students going on to compete in the National Virtual History Fair this year. All of the student projects submitted at the state level received the highest rating of “Superior”.  Congratulations to Anirudh C., Krish M., Divya B., Akhilraj C., Dhruv P., Jacy F., Sukanya G., Bhavya M., Yashas M., Anthony N., and Anikt R.!

Student Ambassadors:  Special thanks to our Student Ambassadors and Mrs. Porzel for putting together a “gratitude message” to the Mead staff—you can view their video here.

Important upcoming dates:

• May 27:  Last day of school!
• May 27:  Eighth grade virtual graduation ceremony
• May 28:  Eighth grade Chromebook/instrument drop-off and diploma/yearbook/photos/medications pick-up
• May 29:  Seventh grade yearbook/medications pick-up

Please visit our Mead JHS Website for the building calendar.  Don’t forget to “Like” us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to stay updated with the latest news and information about the great things happening at Mead.  As always, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.  Thank you for your continued support and commitment to ensuring your child’s educational success this school year!

Scott

Greetings Margaret Mead Community,

On behalf of the Mead staff, we want to thank all of our families—you have been very patient with us as we continue to navigate these uncertain times.  We want to send a special thank you to our Mead PTA.  This school year, they have provided us with wonderful opportunities and gifts including our Mead Mixer, buying a “We Are One” t-shirt for each of our students, our Thursday Hot Lunch program, upgrading our parent service infrastructure, and rebranding Mead with PTA-purchased signage.  Many of our PTA officers will be leaving District 54 after a decade or more of voluntarily working with our schools as part of the PTA—thank you for their commitment!  Despite these tough times, we can truly say the “We Are One” with our Mead parents!  Thank you for being the best parents in District 54 and always willing to work with us to ensure your child’s success!

As we mentioned in last week’s email to our eighth grade families, we want to bring special attention to our graduating eighth grade students—the Class of 2020!  This group of students will go down as the most successful athletic class in the history of Mead and one of the most successful in the history of 54—conference championships in boys and girls cross country, boys and girls basketball, boys and girls volleyball, wrestling, and boys and girls track and field!  Their athletic accomplishments are only a part of their success.  This year, they helped us truly define what “Mead Made” means.  They have raised money for the Greater Chicago Food Depository and had an integral part in putting together our very first Rally for Respect that will now become a new yearly tradition at Mead.  On day one, we asked them all to step up and be role models for the “Mead Made” way and they have exceeded our expectations!  Congratulations to the Class of 2020!

Listed below are a few important updates regarding upcoming end of the school year events:

TODAY Locker Clean-Out Ends:  It was great to see our families at Mead during the locker clean-outs this past week!  Thank you for helping to make the clean-out as seamless as possible.  If you were unable to come to Mead to retrieve your child’s items from their hallway/PE lockers and pick-up other items, we will be bagging the items from your child’s hallway locker and will have them ready to pick-up at Mead starting Wednesday, May 20.  Please email me directly at scottross@nullsd54.org to arrange a time to come and pick-up your child’s items.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 27 Last Day of School:  The last day of seventh and eighth grade student virtual learning is Wednesday, May 27.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 27 Eighth Grade Virtual Graduation:  Reminder that we will be hosting the eighth-grade graduation as a virtual celebration this school year. Visit our school website at 7:00 pm on Wednesday, May 27, to check out the graduation celebration video. In addition, I will also send the link to the video that evening.  The video will be on our District 54 YouTube Channel for viewing whenever it is convenient for your family and for posterity.  The itinerary for the Virtual Graduation Ceremony is listed below:

1. District 54 Introduction
2. Principal Welcome
3. Message from the District 54 Board of Education
4. Student Addresses to the Class of 2020
5. American Legion and Ron Foster Award recognitions
6. Message from Staff to the Class of 2020
7. Scroll of Graduating Student Names
8. Picture Slideshow of Graduating Class set to music**

**Please note: In previous emails to both students and parents, we had provided a link asking you to consider uploading a candid picture of the graduate.  Please know that this was NOT required or necessary.  We were just “casting a net” in hopes of getting some photos of students that we didn’t have from our yearbook photo stock.  Mrs. Heinlein, our media teacher, has completed the video and it looks like almost all of our graduates are in the video!  We know this will provide a nice ending to our Virtual Graduation Ceremony.

THURSDAY, MAY 28 Eighth Grade Chromebook Drop-Off and Diploma/Yearbook/Medication Pick-Up: On Thursday, May 28, we will be utilizing a “drive-through” model with parents/children staying in vehicles to drop-off and pick-up the following items:

• Chromebook and Chromebook charger—please do not return the Chromebook case because it is your child’s to keep.
• Once we receive the Chromebook, then your child will receive their diplomas.
• Drop-off your child’s eighth grade letter to themselves—this was an assignment given to them by their language arts teacher.
• Pick-up yearbook, if ordered.  Please note that we do have extra yearbooks for sale.  Please go to www.jostensyearbooks.com to order a yearbook. The cost is $35 and paid by credit card.  For more information, please email juliemorrison@nullsd54.org or ameliareimel@nullsd54.org if you are not sure if you already ordered yearbook.
• Pick-up graduation photos, if ordered.  If you would like more information regarding graduation photo orders, then please contact visionsphotography@nullsbcglobal.net or MeadPTA@nullgmail.com
• Pick-up medications and/or medical supplies from the school nurse.  If you would like more information regarding these items, then please contact our school nurse at lindabarr@nullsd54.org
• Drop-off school-owned musical instruments.  If you would like more information regarding musical instrument drop-off, then please contact Mrs. Green at jennifergreen@nullsd54.org or Mrs. Kostopulos at hollykostopulos@nullsd54.org
• Pick-up special PTA-purchased memento for the graduating class!

On May 28, we ask that families arrive during the following times to reduce overflow in the Mead parking lot: A-L 8:00 -11:00 am and M-Z 12:00 -3:00 pm.

FRIDAY, MAY 29 Seventh Grade Yearbook/Medication Pick-Up: On Friday, May 29, we will be utilizing a “drive-through” model with parents/children staying in vehicles to drop-off and pick-up the following items:

• Pick-up yearbook, if ordered.  Please note that we do have extra yearbooks for sale.  Please go to www.jostensyearbooks.com to order a yearbook. The cost is $35 and paid by credit card.  For more information, please email juliemorrison@nullsd54.org or ameliareimel@nullsd54.org if you are not sure if you already ordered yearbook.
• Pick-up medications and/or medical supplies from the school nurse.  If you would like more information regarding these items, then please contact our school nurse at lindabarr@nullsd54.org
• NON-RETURNING SEVENTH GRADE STUDENTS ONLY: Drop-off Chromebook and Chromebook charger (please do not return the Chromebook case because it is your child’s to keep) and drop-off school-owned musical instruments.  If you would like more information regarding musical instrument drop-off, then please contact Mrs. Green at jennifergreen@nullsd54.org or Mrs. Kostopulos at hollykostopulos@nullsd54.org

On May 29, we ask that families arrive during the following times to reduce overflow in the Mead parking lot: A-L 8:00 -11:00 am and M-Z 12:00 -3:00 pm.

TUESDAY, JUNE 2 Report Cards:  Starting Tuesday, June 2, report cards will be available on your Infinite Campus Portal.  As a reminder, District 54 teachers will be issuing either a “Pass” or “Incomplete” for each course’s overall grade for the third trimester.  For the final cumulative grade for the year, ISBE mandates that students cannot receive an achievement grade lower than their second trimester achievement grade.  The reason for the third trimester “pass/incomplete” and second trimester grade hold is so that your child will not be subject to any educational harm during this remote learning period as we are aware that the degree of support for and needs of your child may vary significantly.  If you have any questions, then please let me know.

Reimbursements:  Mead and District 54 will be processing reimbursements for the following food services that were cancelled due to the school closure: Chick-Fil-A and Friday Treats.  District 54 will be reimbursing for Chick-Fil-A through your Parent Portal.  The Mead front office will be reimbursing for Friday Treats by mailing home a check starting May 19.

PTA Hot Lunch Refund Updates:  If you have not done so already please complete the following form to donate or refund your remaining lunch funds: PTA Hot Lunch Reimbursement Survey Form  This survey closes May 27.  If you have already requested a refund:

• If you originally paid by Credit Card- the remaining funds will be deposited directly back to the original card. Those deposits are starting this week.
• If you originally paid by check- you will receive a computer-generated check mailed to you from either Harris Bank or Parkway Bank. Please look for this mail, it may look like an unmarked envelope. Refund checks are starting to be mailed this week.
• For those who do not complete the survey by the last day of school (May 27) a refund will automatically be issued

We are happy to report a large donation will be made to meals for first responders on behalf of those who choose to donate. Once the survey is closed on May 27, we will report on the donations made for lunches for local first responders from local businesses. If you have any questions, please contact the PTA at MeadPTA@nullgmail.com

The Mead PTA Needs Volunteers to serve on the Executive Board:  The Mead PTA is looking for volunteers to help organize events and meet once a month during the school year. Half of the current board will be retiring from our PTA as their children move on to high school. Your help is greatly needed and appreciated. This is an excellent opportunity to participate in your child’s education and help serve the Mead community. Please email the Mead PTA President, Rich Menzia if you are interested at MeadPTA@nullgmail.com

Eighth Grade Graduation Photos:  As mentioned above, eighth grade families can pick-up graduation photos, if ordered, on May 28 at the drive-through pickup event at Mead.  If you would like more information regarding graduation photo orders, then please contact visionsphotography@nullsbcglobal.net or MeadPTA@nullgmail.com

Registration for the 2020-21 school year is now open.  Please visit the District 54 Registration page here for updated information.

Drama Club met during our V-Learning time to record a “Reader’s Theater” version of their school play that was unfortunately cancelled due to the school closure!  Special thanks to Mr. Fletcher and Mrs. Tamulis, our Drama Club sponsors, for still allowing our Drama Club to “perform” virtually by putting this together to share with our community.  Please click on this link to see the show!

Important upcoming dates:

• Today – May 27:  D54 V-Learning during remote learning days
• May 18:  No school (V-Learning) due to staff planning day
• May 18:  Last day for eighth grade hallway locker clean-out and materials pick-up and drop-off
• May 25:  No school due to Memorial Day
• May 27:  Last day of school
• May 27:  Eighth grade virtual graduation ceremony
• May 28:  Eighth grade Chromebook/instrument drop-off and diploma/yearbook/photos/medications pick-up
• May 29:  Seventh grade yearbook/medications pick-up

Please visit our Mead JHS Website for the building calendar.  Don’t forget to “Like” us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to stay updated with the latest news and information about the great things happening at Mead.  As always, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.  Thank you for your continued support and commitment to ensuring your child’s educational success during this time.

Scott

Dear Eighth Grade Families,

We want to start out by saying thanks!  When I was an Assistant Principal at Mead JHS ten years ago, I vividly remember the incredibly supportive parent community here at Mead.  To return back “home” to Mead ten years later has been an absolute privilege due in large part to getting to work with the best parents in 54!  We want to thank all of our parents—you have been very patient with us as we continue to navigate these uncertain times.  Thank you for being the best parents and always willing to work with us to ensure your child’s success!  We want to send a special thank you to our Mead PTA.  This school year, they have provided us with wonderful opportunities and gifts including our Mead Mixer, buying a “We Are One” t-shirt for each of our students, hosting our Thursday Hot Lunch program, upgrading our parent service infrastructure, and rebranding Mead with PTA-purchased signage.  Many of our PTA officers will be leaving District 54 after a decade or more of voluntarily working with our schools as part of the PTA—thank you for your commitment!  Spring is typically the time in the school year when we get to celebrate our outgoing eighth grade families—unfortunately the school closure does not allow us to formally do that.  So, we want you to know how much we appreciate you.  Despite these tough times, we can truly say the “We Are One” with our Mead parents!

We want to bring special attention to our graduating eighth grade students—the Class of 2020!  This group of students will go down as the most successful athletic class in the history of Mead and one of the most successful in the history of 54—conference championships in boys and girls cross country, boys and girls basketball, boys and girls volleyball, wrestling, and boys and girls track and field!  Their athletic accomplishments are only a part of their success.  This year, they helped us truly define what “Mead Made” means.  They have raised money for the Greater Chicago Food Depository and hosted our very first Rally for Respect that will now become a new yearly tradition at Mead.  On day one, we asked them all to step up and be role models for the Mead Made way and they have exceeded our expectations!  To not be able to celebrate their 54 careers with our traditional end of the year events breaks our hearts—we want them to know that they are the pride of Mead and we know they will represent us well as they start the next chapter of their lives!

Listed below are a few important updates regarding upcoming end of the school year events:

TODAY-MONDAY, MAY 18 Locker Clean-out and Graduation items pick-up:  It was great to see so many of our families at Mead today!  Reminder that tomorrow and Monday, please come and clean-out your child’s locker.  Please note that your child does not need to come with you to the clean-out—if it works out that only a parent is able to come, then please ensure that they give you their hallway locker number and combination for you to use upon arrival.  When coming to Mead, students and parents must adhere to social distancing guidelines. At all times, individuals should keep 6 feet of distance from others and wear personal masks.  Please sign up for a time to clean out your child’s hallway locker by clicking on the link here.  If you are not able to sign up, please feel open to come tomorrow or Monday between 7:30-11:00 am or 12:00-3:00 pm.  When you arrive for the locker cleanout, you will do the following:

• Please enter through Door 2 near the main entrance.  You will check in there and be allowed entry.
• Clean-out your child’s hallway locker.  Please use the garbage cans located in the hallway to dispose of locker items that your child does not want to keep.  You may want to have your child bring a backpack or a bag to put in personal items.  If your child forgot his/her locker combo, have them look at Infinite Campus prior to coming to school by following these directions.
• Pick-up PE locker materials bagged and alpha-ordered in the gymnasium.
• Drop-off non-technology district resources (library books, textbooks—Geometry textbooks will be collected)
• Drop-off sports uniforms
• Pick-up artwork
• Pick-up Drama Club and Mathletes t-shirts
• Pick-up graduation gowns (reminder: we do NOT provide caps in 54), graduation medallions, and graduation yard sign

Please note that your child will NOT be returning their Chromebook on this day.  Also, if your child ordered a yearbook or graduation photos, need to pick-up medications, and/or have an instrument to drop off, then please see below.

THURSDAY, MAY 28 Chromebook Drop-Off and Diploma/Yearbook/Medication Pick-Up: On Thursday, May 28, we will be utilizing a “drive-through” model with parents/children staying in vehicles to drop-off and pick-up the following items:

• Chromebook and Chromebook charger—please do not return the Chromebook case because it is your child’s to keep.
• Once we receive the Chromebook, then your child will receive their diplomas.
• Drop-off your child’s eighth grade letter to themselves—this was an assignment given to them by their language arts teacher.
• Pick-up yearbook, if ordered.  If you would like more information regarding yearbook orders, then please contact Mrs. Morrison at juliemorrison@nullsd54.org or Mrs. Reimel at ameliareimel@nullsd54.org
• Pick-up graduation photos, if ordered.  If you would like more information regarding graduation photo orders, then please contact visionsphotography@nullsbcglobal.net or MeadPTA@nullgmail.com
• Pick-up medications and/or medical supplies from the school nurse.  If you would like more information regarding these items, then please contact our school nurse at lindabarr@nullsd54.org
• Drop-off school-owned musical instruments.  If you would like more information regarding musical instrument drop-off, then please contact Mrs. Green at jennifergreen@nullsd54.org or Mrs. Kostopulos at hollykostopulos@nullsd54.org
• Pick-up special PTA-purchased memento for the graduating class!

On May 28, we ask that families arrive during the following times to reduce overflow in the Mead parking lot:   A-L:  8:00 -11:00 am and M-Z:  12:00 -3:00 pm

WEDNESDAY, MAY 27 Eighth Grade Virtual Graduation:  Reminder that we will be hosting the eighth-grade graduation as a virtual celebration this school year. Visit our school website at 7:00 pm on Wednesday, May 27, to check out the graduation celebration video. In addition, I will also send the link to the video that evening.  The video will be on our District 54 YouTube Channel for viewing whenever it is convenient for your family and for posterity.  The itinerary for the Virtual Graduation Ceremony is listed below:

1. District 54 Introduction
2. Principal Welcome
3. Message from the District 54 Board of Education
4. Student Addresses to the Class of 2020
5. American Legion and Ron Foster Award recognitions
6. Message from Staff to the Class of 2020
7. Scroll of Graduating Student Names
8. Picture Slideshow of Graduating Class set to music (please note: thanks to those students who were able to send us pictures—we were able to incorporate most of them into this picture slide show!  It was not required that you submit a photo—we were hoping to get every graduate’s image into our picture slideshow! The video is finished and we are no longer accepting photos) 

Graduation Mementos:  To commemorate the graduation of the Mead Class of 2020, there are several celebration mementos that I wanted to bring your attention to:

• We have created a “Class of 2020” sign that you can print and use for photographs.  Please click HERE to download and print the sign!
• District 54 purchased a “Class of 2020” congratulations yard sign that you will be leaving with when you come to clean out your locker!
• Our PTA has created a beautiful photo mosaic with a picture of every graduate with a “Mead Class of 2020” overlay—more to come on this memento!
• Our PTA has also purchased a special gift for each graduate that you will be able to pick-up on May 28 during your Chromebook drop-off!

Last Day of School:  Reminder that the last day of eighth grade student virtual learning is Wednesday, May 27.

Important upcoming dates:

• Today – May 27:  D54 V-Learning during remote learning days
• May 18:  No school (V-Learning) due to staff planning day
• May 14-15, 18:  Eighth grade hallway locker clean-out and materials pick-up and drop-off
• May 25:  No school
• May 27:  Last day of school
• May 27:  Eighth grade virtual graduation ceremony
• May 28:  Eighth grade Chromebook/instrument drop-off and diploma/yearbook/photos/medications pick-up

Please visit our Mead JHS Website for the building calendar.  Don’t forget to “Like” us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to stay updated with the latest news and information about the great things happening at Mead.  As always, if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.  Thank you for your continued support and commitment to ensuring your child’s educational success during this time.

Scott

Registration for the 2020-21 school year is underway for kindergarten through eighth grade.

New District 54 families

Click here to begin online registration. After processing your registration, your child’s new school will contact you to request additional information, such as the Student Transfer Form (ISBE form 33-78) for students transferring from another Illinois school; proof of immunizations (list of required immunizations by grade level), birth verification and proof of residence (see details at sd54.org/registration).

For questions, please contact registrationdocuments@nullsd54.org. If you don’t know what school your child will attend, click here to access our School Search program and enter your address.

Current D54 families

Log in in to the parent portal, and update your information for next year by June 1, 2020. You must hit the SUBMIT button after reviewing the information, even if you don’t make any changes. If your children will not be attending District 54 schools next year, please contact your school office and let them know.

If you have previously created a portal account and cannot recall your username or password, you can reset them yourself from the parent portal website. If you have never created a portal account, please email portalsupport@nullsd54.org to create one.

All families are required to prove that they live within District 54 boundaries every year.  If we were unable to verify your residency electronically, you will have the ability to upload your residency electronically through your portal. If you do not have a portal account, you can also email the required documents to registrationdocuments@nullsd54.org.

Information about transportation and the consumable materials fee will be communicated at a later time.

Mustangs,

WE ARE ONE….talented group!  The Mead staff is putting together a fun way to showcase the many talents of our Mustang Community by hosting our 1^st Annual Mead’s Got Virtual Talent! 

To participate, please fill out the audition application here:  Mead’s Got Virtual Talent AUDITION 2019-2020.  Submission deadline is this Thursday, 5/14!

We look forward to seeing your Mead Made talents!

Mr. Ross

Dear Eighth Grade Families,

I hope everyone was able to enjoy the nice weather this weeked!  Working with the District 54 Cabinet, we have created a process for students to pick up and drop off all materials at Mead. When coming to Mead, students and parents must adhere to social distancing guidelines. At all times, individuals should keep 6 feet of distance from others and wear personal masks.  Students and parents will be given the opportunity to visit Mead TWICE during the month of May to pick-up and drop-off materials.  Please see below for information about our Material Pick-Up and Drop-Off process.

• On May 14, 15 or 18, you need to sign up for a time to clean out your child’s hallway locker (please click on the link here or see the link below to sign up) and pick-up the following items:

  • PE locker materials bagged and alpha-ordered in the gymnasium

  • Non-tech district resources (library books, textbooks)

  • Sports uniforms

  • Artwork

  • Club t-shirts

  • Graduation gowns, graduation medallions, and graduation yard sign   

  • Please note that your child will NOT be returning their Chromebook on this day.  Also, if your child ordered a yearbook or graduation photos, needs to pick-up medications, and/or has an instrument to drop off, then please see below.  

• On May 28, we will be utilizing a “drive-through” model with parents/children staying in vehicles to drop-off and pick-up the following items:

  • Chromebooks, Chromebook charger, and Chromebook case

  • Once we receive the Chromebook, then your child will receive their diploma.

  • Pick-up yearbook, if ordered.  If you would like more information regarding yearbook orders, then please contact Mrs. Morrison at juliemorrison@nullsd54.org or Mrs. Reimel at ameliareimel@nullsd54.org  

  • Pick-up graduation photos, if ordered.  If you would like more information regarding graduation photo orders, then please contact visionsphotography@nullsbcglobal.net or MeadPTA@nullgmail.com  

  • Pick-up medications and/or medical supplies from the school nurse.  If you would like more information regarding these items, then please contact our school nurse at lindabarr@nullsd54.org 

  • Drop-off school-owned musical instruments.  If you would like more information regarding musical instrument drop-off, then please contact Mrs. Green at jennifergreen@nullsd54.org or Mrs. Kostopulos at hollykostopulos@nullsd54.org  

On May 28, we ask that families arrive during the following times to reduce overflow in the Mead parking lot:   A-L:  8:00 -11:00 am  and M-Z:  12:00 -3:00 pm  

Please sign up here for student locker cleanout. 

Details for locker cleanout:

•  If your child forgot his/her locker combo, have them look at Infinite Campus prior to coming to school by following these steps.

• Bring any School District 54 non-tech instructional resource/materials (library books, textbooks, teacher classroom library books, interscholastic sports uniforms that were not turned in, etc.).

• Clean out hallway locker

• Pick up items from your child’s PE Locker bagged and in alpha-order in the gymnasium.

• No more than 10 parent-student combinations are allowed in the building at one time. 

• Families will sign up for ONE 30-minute time slot to come into the building.  Each parent/child will have 30 minutes to clean out their child’s hallway locker, pick-up PE locker materials in the gym, return instructional materials, and exit the building.  Please sign up here for student locker cleanout. 

• Chromebook drop off will occur on 5/28.  Students ARE NOT to turn in their Chromebook on locker cleanout day. 

• You may want to have your child bring a backpack or a bag to put in personal items. 

• Prior to leaving on this day, students will receive their graduation gown, medallion, and District 54 provided graduation yard sign.

The last day of eighth grade student virtual learning is Wednesday, May 27.  Reminder that the Virtual Graduation video will be posted on the Mead website at 7:00 pm on Wednesday, May 27. 

Please let me know if you have any questions – we look forward to safely seeing you again during the Material Drop-Off and Pick-Up process.  

Regards,

Scott 

Greetings Future Mead Families,

I hope this email finds you and your family safe and healthy!  On behalf of the Mead staff, I want to express our disappointment that we couldn’t host our future Mustangs at our “Welcome to Mead Night” originally scheduled for this evening.  Due to the school closure, tonight’s event is cancelled.  At this point, the district does not have plans to reschedule the event.  At Mead, we are making arrangements to embed many of tonight’s scheduled activities into our “Move Into Mead” day on August 17—“Move Into Mead” is the first day of school for our new seventh grade students only.

In lieu of tonight’s event, I have recorded a video from me that goes through tonight’s presentation.  You can access the video here: Welcome to Mead Presentation.  In the video, I have included important transition details to help your child get ready for the move to Mead.  We are committed to ensuring your child’s transition to Mead is a positive experience so I have also included important dates below:

• June:  Email from Mead with important beginning of the school year information
• August 5  Information Day
  • Pick up your schedule and locker assignment
  • Purchase your PE uniform and yearbook
  • Sign up for specific clubs/sports
• August 12  Mead Made Day
  • Open house where you and your parents can do the following:
    • Practice on your hallway locker
    • Drop off school supplies in your locker
    • Walk your schedule
    • Participate in a locker decorating contest and scavenger hunt!
• August 17  Move Into Mead Day
  • 7th grade only day where you will learn more about being Mead Made

Please visit our Mead JHS Website for the building calendar.  Don’t forget to “Like” us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to stay updated with the latest news and information about the great things happening at Mead.  If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.  Thank you for your support and commitment to ensuring your child’s educational success during this exciting time in their educational journey!

Scott

As the situation surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, continues to change, District 54 is working with amazing community partners to provide food to families who are struggling financially. Families needing assistance may benefit from the following.

• Wednesdays:  Willow Creek Community Church will host a mobile food truck distribution from 11 a.m. to noon every Wednesday in the District 54 Rafferty Administration Center parking lot, 524 E. Schaumburg Road in Schaumburg.
• Thursdays:  District 54 staff will be working with Township High School District 211 to distribute meal bags with five days of lunches, five days of breakfast and a half gallon of milk from 8 to 11 a.m. each Thursday through July 16 at Hoffman Estates High School, 1100 W. Higgins Road in Hoffman Estates. 
• Fridays:  Willow Creek Community Church will host a food distribution from 4 to 5 p.m. every Friday at Keller Junior High School, 820 Bode Road in Schaumburg.
• The Schaumburg Township Food Pantry is now running a drive-through pickup from 1 to 3 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the township office, One Illinois Blvd. in Hoffman Estates. For more information, please call (847) 732-7166.
• Church of the Holy Spirit Food Pantry, 1451 Bode Road in Schaumburg, is offering drive-through pickup on Thursdays from 2 to 5 p.m. near the garages.
• Living Hope Food Pantry, 777 Meacham Road in Elk Grove Village, is offering drive-through pickup on Thursdays from 11:30-noon.
• Trinity Charities Food Pantry, 927 Plum Grove in Schaumburg, is open from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursdays and 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays.

We would like to thank the number of individuals and organizations who have inquired about how to make donations to help those in our community who may be struggling. We feel the best practice is to work with organizations who are currently offering these services in our community and will therefore not be collecting food. Please do not bring food donations to the district office as previously mentioned.

The Schaumburg Township Food Pantry and many faith-based charities are providing food to families in our community. Click here to access a list of these pantries on the Schaumburg Township website. In order to encourage social distancing, these organizations are not collecting food at this time.

Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT)

The Illinois Department of Human Services has a new special benefit called the Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer to help families buy food for children who would normally receive free lunch when schools are in session. To apply online, families should visit https://abe.illinois.gov/abe/access and click on Apply for Benefits.

Families that currently receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits do not need to apply for P-EBT benefits. These additional P-EBT benefits will be loaded into Illinois LINK EBT accounts along with regular SNAP benefits. Families that do not currently receive SNAP benefits but do have children who receive free lunch, will need to apply on this website. A paper application in English and paper application in Spanish is also available and can be submitted as an attachment by email to DHS.FCS.PEBT@nullillinois.gov. IDHS created a flyer to help families with the application process. A Spanish version of the flyer is also available.

Crisis Fund

The District 54 Education Foundation has also created a new fund called the D54 Foundation Crisis Fund, which will be used to support our most at-risk families, including the 20% of students who qualify for free lunch. This emergency fund will help families impacted by this virus, and could be used in the future to provide immediate access to financial assistance for financially struggling families.

To donate, visit any of the following websites:

• District 54 Education Foundation – select Crisis Fund
• Greater Chicago Food Depository
• Schaumburg Township Food Pantry

Lugares de despensa de alimentos y oportunidades de donación

A medida que la situación en torno al nuevo coronavirus de 2019 continúa cambiando, el Distrito 54 está trabajando con increíbles socios de la comunidad para proporcionar alimentos a las familias que tienen dificultades financieras. Las familias que necesitan asistencia pueden beneficiarse de lo siguiente.

• Miércoles:  Willow Creek Community Church llevará a cabo una distribución móvil de camiones de comida de 11 a.m. a mediodía cada miércoles en el estacionamiento del Centro de Administración Rafferty del Distrito 54, 524 E. Schaumburg Road en Schaumburg.
• Jueves:  Distrito 211 de Township High School, cinco días de almuerzos, cinco días de desayuno y medio galón de leche de 9 am a mediodía cada jueves en la escuela secundaria Hoffman Estates, 1100 W. Higgins Road en Hoffman Estates. Esta es una camioneta drive-through. Cuando llegue a la escuela, quédese en su vehículo. Cargaremos las bolsas en su maletero o asiento trasero.
• Viernes:  Willow Creek Community Church también llevará a cabo una distribución móvil de camiones de comida de 4 a 5 p.m. cada viernes en la escuela Keller, 820 Bode Road en Schaumburg.
• Schaumburg Township – La despensa de alimentos del municipio de Schaumburg ahora está llevando a cabo una recolección de 1 a 3 p.m. los martes y jueves en la oficina del municipio,  One Illinois Blvd. en Hoffman Estates. Para obtener más información, llame al (847) 732-7166.
• Iglesia del Espíritu Santo Despensa, 1451 Bode Road en Schaumburg, ofrece servicio de recogida los jueves de 2 a 5 p.m. Cerca de los garajes.
• Living Hope Food Pantry, 777 Meacham Road en Elk Grove Village, ofrece servicio de recogida los jueves de 11:30 a mediodía.
• Trinity Charities Food Pantry, 927 Plum Grove en Schaumburg, está abierto de 4 a 6 p.m. Jueves y de 10 a.m. a 1 p.m. Sábados.

Nos gustaría agradecer a la cantidad de personas y organizaciones que han preguntado cómo hacer donaciones para ayudar a aquellos en nuestra comunidad que puedan estar luchando. Creemos que la mejor práctica es trabajar con organizaciones que actualmente ofrecen estos servicios en nuestra comunidad y, por lo tanto, no recolectarán alimentos. No traiga donaciones de alimentos a la oficina del distrito como se mencionó anteriormente.

La despensa de alimentos del municipio de Schaumburg y muchas organizaciones benéficas religiosas están proporcionando alimentos a las familias de nuestra comunidad. Haga clic aquí para acceder a una lista de estas despensas en el sitio web del municipio de Schaumburg. Para alentar el distanciamiento social, estas organizaciones no están recolectando alimentos en este momento.

Transferencia electrónica de beneficios pandémicos (P-EBT)

El Departamento de Servicios Humanos de Illinois tiene un nuevo beneficio especial llamado Transferencia electrónica de beneficios pandémicos para ayudar a las familias a comprar alimentos para niños que normalmente recibirían almuerzo gratis cuando las escuelas están en sesión. Para solicitar en línea, las familias deben visitar https://abe.illinois.gov/abe/access y hacer clic en Solicitar beneficios.

Las familias que actualmente reciben beneficios del Programa de Asistencia Nutricional Suplementaria (SNAP) no necesitan solicitar los beneficios P-EBT. Estos beneficios adicionales de P-EBT se cargarán en las cuentas de Illinois LINK EBT junto con los beneficios regulares de SNAP. Las familias que actualmente no reciben beneficios de SNAP pero tienen niños que reciben almuerzo gratis, deberán presentar una solicitud en este sitio web. Una solicitud en papel en en español también están disponibles y se pueden enviar como archivo adjunto por correo electrónico a DHS.FCS.PEBT@nullillinois.gov. IDHS creó un volante para ayudar a las familias con el proceso de solicitud. U

Crisis Fund

La Fundación Educativa del Distrito 54 también ha creado un nuevo fondo llamado D54 Foundation Crisis Fund, que se utilizará para apoyar a nuestras familias más expuestas, incluido el 20% de los estudiantes que califican para el almuerzo gratuito. Este fondo de emergencia ayudará a las familias afectadas por este virus y podría usarse en el futuro para proporcionar acceso inmediato a asistencia financiera para familias con dificultades financieras.

Para donar, visite cualquiera de los siguientes sitios web:

• District 54 Education Foundation – select Crisis Fund
• Greater Chicago Food Depository
• Schaumburg Township Food Pantry