STILLMAN VALLEY — Meridian Community Unit School District #223 is pleased to announce the receipt of a non-infrastructure Safe Routes to School Grant from the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT). This grant allowed the district to purchase a full classroom set of bicycles and helmets for Highland Elementary School, enhancing the physical education program and promoting safety and student wellness.
Physical education teacher Mr. Vos recently launched a bicycle safety curriculum that culminated in a hands-on bike rodeo. The results were remarkable: 95% of first and second-grade students rode confidently on two wheels, and 75% of kindergarten students accomplished the same.
“This is more than just teaching kids how to ride a bike, it’s about building confidence, self-esteem, and giving them the tools to travel safely,” said Mr. Vos. “We’re grateful for the IDOT grant and proud of how our students embraced the challenge.”
The Safe Routes to School program supports the district’s goals to promote safe and healthy travel habits in young students. While the village’s application for an infrastructure grant to fund a sidewalk along Pine Street was not selected in this cycle, Meridian CUSD #223 and the Village of Stillman Valley remain committed to pursuing future funding opportunities to improve pedestrian safety along this critical route.
Director of Operations Heather Alderks, emphasized, “This grant enhances our PE curriculum and builds lifelong habits around wellness and safety. It’s an incredible opportunity to develop independence and responsibility in our students.
