The Merrill Minute
November 22, 2019
The Next 45 Days
Greetings, Merrill Families,
The structure of the DMPS academic calendar allows both our students and teachers to approach the school year in 45 day segments. Thank you for participating in conferences where we were able to reflect on the past 45 days and make plans to ensure student success over the course of the next 45 days. If you weren't able to make it to conferences and want to connect, please don't hesitate to give us a call or send us an e-mail. The partnership between home and school is vital to our success.
The end of the semester will be here before we know it. We will continue to focus on ensuring a safe and supportive learning environment with inquiry and student interaction at the heart of our classroom instruction. Stop by and visit us at any time. You are always welcome here.
Yours in feeling thankful for all of you,
Kate
Kathryn Panek
Principal
Merrill Middle School
Merrill Science Fair
The 2019 Merrill Science Fair was, once again, a huge success. We are always blown away by the curiosity of our students, the technical support they get from their teachers and families, and the pride that surrounds this awesome event. Thank you to the students for weeks of preparation, to the teachers who supported them along the way, to the PTA for supplying the tables and the snacks, and to the countless volunteers from our community for their judging expertise. Congrats to the scientists moving on to the DMPS City Science Fair!
Wish, Need, WEAR, Read...
Merrill PTA is again teaming with Decker Sports to sell apparel on-line through Monday, December 2, 2019. All orders will be delivered to your student on or before the last day of school before Winter Break - Friday, December 20, 2019.
If this is a gift and you'd like to keep it a surprise, please make alternate arrangements when you place your order. Email Sarah Witt at switt1509@gmail.com - NOT Decker Sports - to let her know how you wish to handle delivery of the items.
Merrill PTA receives a portion of the sale's proceeds. This money will be used to fund activities at Merrill. We appreciate your continued support.
Click the link below to order today!
Where in the world?!
Academic Planning
8th Grade Merrill Mustangs are already preparing to transition to Roosevelt High School and have started the process of designing their 4-year academic plans. Thank you to Mrs. Foshe for scheduling time to meet with students throughout the day. Students have been open-minded, are becoming more knowledgeable of the opportunities in front of them, and are taking it one step at a time as we get closer and closer to 9th grade! Below are a few pictures of the Class of 2024.
SCIBA Honor Band
Mindfulness
Students in Senora Staudt's 6th grade Spanish classes have been learning about minndfulness and how making healthy decisions can be a huge game changer for them. Students have been discussing stress, anxiety, and empathy. They've also participated in new brain break activities, taken a deep breath during Mindful Monday, and written notes of gratitude. Thank you to Senora Staudt and Ms. Foshe for supporting our students in mindfulness.
Merrill Night at McAlister's Deli
Join us at McAllister’s Deli on Tuesday, December 10 for Merrill Spirit Night. McAlister's will donate 20% of the sales that evening to our Merrill Middle School PTA. Please be sure to mention Merrill when you order.
Tuesday, Dec 10, 2019, 05:00 PM
McAlister's Deli, Douglas Avenue, Des Moines, IA, USA
RSVPs are enabled for this event.
Dismissal
Also, please be respectful of our neighbors and do not park in driveways or along Grand Avenue. Thank you!
Community Legislative Action Team
Thank you, PTA
Forest Avenue Library MLK Celebration
The Forest Avenue Library is calling for student art and creative writing entries as part of their annual community event honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The students’ work will be honored during the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Celebration on Monday, January 20, 2019, at 4:00 PM and remain on display at the library throughout Black History Month. For more information please email eeeis@dmpl.org or call the library at 515-248-6260.
Upcoming Dates
Nov. 27 - No School Thanksgiving Break
Nov. 28 - No School Thanksgiving Break
Nov. 29 - No School Thanksgiving Break
Dec. 10 - Merrill Spirit Night at McAlister's Deli
Dec. 12 - Chorus Concert (6th - 5:30, 7th - 6:15, 8th - 7:00)
Dec. 13 - No School: Professional Development
Dec. 16 - Orchestra Concert at Roosevelt
Dec. 17 - Band Concert (6th - 5:30, 7th and 8th - 7:00)
Dec. 20 - Last Day before Winter Break
Contact Information
Email: merrill@dmschools.org
Website: https://merrill.dmschools.org/
Location: 5301 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA, USA
Phone: (515) 242-8448
Twitter: @MerrillMustangs