The Merrill Minute
September 27, 2019
School CNXT
Greetings, Merrill Families,
Today we wrapped up a full day of professional learning at Merrill where we had time to reflect on the first 20 days of school and collaborate with each other around how we can continue to strengthen our school community over the course of the next 20 days.
Part of our learning toady was focused on continuing to find avenues to stay connected with all of you! Our teachers downloaded an app called School CNXT, a platform that many of you may already be familiar with. It is a quick and easy way to share school and classroom news, send messages back and forth between home and school, and stay in touch without having to wade through the 5 million e-mails you all receive.
School CNXT utilizes two-way translation in over 100 languages empowering all families to engage with our school community. The app allows each of us (families and school faculty) to have the ability to text, speak, and listen in our preferred language when communicating via the app.
If you aren't already connected, you will be receiving a text message early next week on your mobile phone with a link to download the app. Please click the link and follow the directions to create an account.
While we will continue to use other platforms to communicate (Infinite Campus, Merrill website, e-mail), we are excited about this opportunity and look forward to communicating with you through School CNXT.
Yours in connecting,
Kate
Kathryn Panek
Principal
Merrill Middle School
Panorama Social-Emotional Learning Survey
Social-emotional learning (SEL) describes the mindsets, skills, attitudes, and feelings that help students succeed in school, career, and life. At its core, SEL focuses on students' fundamental needs for motivation, social connectedness, and self-regulation as prerequisites for learning. The 21st Century skills that make up SEL are an important part of a well-rounded education.
This fall, and again in the spring, your child will be asked to complete a brief social-emotional learning survey from Panorama Education. Panorama's Social-Emotional Learning Survey is designed for students to reflect on their school environment and experiences to help educators learn more about how to better support students' needs. To learn more about this survey please visit the Panorama website at www.panoramaed.com.
To view sample surveys, click on the links below.
Drum Clinic
A note from Mr. Mogran:
On Tuesday, September 17, jazz drummer Pete Zimmer from NYC was in town to perform with the Des Moines Big Band. He took two hours out of his busy schedule to conduct a clinic with the 8th grade jazz drummers in Merrill’s new band room. The students were actively and eagerly involved in learning jazz styles.It was a great exploration of student interests!
Science Fair
- 6th Graders: Present projects in the gym during science class.
- 7th Graders: Present projects in the gym from 3:30-5:30.
- 8th Graders: Present projects in the classroom during science class.
The District Science Fair is tentatively scheduled for Thursday, February 6. Stay tuned for more information!
Lunch Volunteers
Mustang Events
Mustang Events PPT (Weekly Club/Activity Calendar)
The calendar on the Merrill Website is updated daily.
Central Con
Dance, Games, Movies!
Box Tops Goes Paperless
No more clipping. No more sending Box Tops to school. All you need is your phone. Download the ALL-NEW Box Tops app, select Merrill Middle School, shop as you normally would, then simply scan your store receipts to find participating products. The app will automatically credit Merrill's Box Tops earnings online. Click here to download the app. Thank you for supporting Merrill!
Meet the Merrill Language Arts Team!
Kristen Vogel
My name is Kristin Vogel and after spending my own middle school career as a Mustang, I returned as a teacher here at Merrill! As an ELA instructor, I get to spend my day sharing my passion for reading and writing with students. Outside of school, I enjoy running, curling up with a good book, traveling with my family, sipping coffee & trying new foods. I am so excited for the great things to come this year!
Gabrielle Smithman
I'm Gabrielle (Gabby) Smithman and I started my college career at Iowa Central Community College (Go Tritons!) where I was actively involved in their music and drama programs. After attaining my AA degree from Iowa Central, I transferred to Iowa State University where I earned an Elementary Education degree with endorsements in the areas of English/Language Arts, Reading, and Special Education. I'm currently finishing up my Masters of Science in Education from Iowa State University. In my free time, I love cooking and baking with my husband, hiking, and running 5ks. I have a love for animals, and have two cats and a dog at home.
Shanna Freeman
I am Shanna Freeman, sixth grade Language and Literature teacher at Merrill. This is my twentieth year in education, most of those years teaching sixth grade. I received my bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Northern Iowa and my Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of St. Thomas.
I live in Ankeny with my husband, our two daughters and our Labrador puppy. In my spare time, I love to spend time with family and friends, vacation anywhere near water, go for motorcycle rides with my husband and read a good book.
Some of my favorite things about teaching are watching my students’ minds grow, the challenges that come each day with teaching middle school and the fact that no day is ever the same.
I look forward to a year filled with personal and academic growth, fun and exciting learning and the pleasure of serving my students in their education.
Adam Severson
My name is Adam Severson and I am in my 20th year of teaching. My first two years were in 2nd grade and 3rd grade in Postville, Iowa. After taking a year off from teaching to earn my M.A. in Reading and Language Arts from UNI, I came to Merrill and began teaching Reading Intervention. After eight years in that role, I became a Language Arts teacher and have taught all three grade levels. However, 7th grade is my niche. In addition to teaching, I coach cross-country, basketball, and soccer.
I am married and have two daughters. Alexa is 11 and Alayna is 9. My wife, Andrea, is a mental health counselor at the Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center. We enjoy camping, Civic Center shows, and live music. I also like reading, biking, running, the Iowa Hawkeyes, and the St. Louis Cardinals. I’m excited to see students progress through this year.
Hillari Cooney
My name is Hillari Cooney and I’m excited to be in my 5th year at Merrill Middle School! I live in Waukee with my husband and our four kids and two cats. I love being a middle school teacher because it is such a cool thing to see our students discover their talents and begin the process of figuring out their own identities!
Before becoming a teacher, I worked as a news producer at KCCI TV8, the local CBS affiliate. It was through my work there during the 2008 caucus that I met my husband, Alex. We both covered caucus night at Merrill from the cafeteria, so that room holds a special place in our hearts.
I hold a master’s degree in Secondary Education from Simpson College, and an undergraduate degree in Broadcast TV and Radio from the University of Missouri-Columbia School of Journalism. In my spare time (which is rare with so many kids!) I like to cook, quilt, and read about and debate politics. I’m so happy to call Merrill home and am thrilled to start another year!
Katie Johnson
Hello! My name is Katie Johnson, and this is my 12th year working in the Des Moines Public Schools district. I have been a proud member of the Merrill Middle School family for the past six years. As I begin year number seven, I am excited to be teaching 8th grade Language and Literature, as well as mentoring the journalism club for the third year. Prior to Merrill, I taught a variety of subjects including Civics, Science, Global Studies, and 20th Century World History at Gateway Secondary School and Hoyt Middle School here in Des Moines.
Outside of school, I enjoy reading, watching movies, exploring new places, and spending time with friends and family. The two biggest sources of joy for me these days are my two amazing nephews--hanging out with them keeps me busy and entertained as only a newborn and a toddler can! Adding the role of “Aunt” to my identity has shed new light on my role as an educator and the importance of encouraging reading and learning from the very beginning of a person’s life.
I look forward to continuing my educational journey this year and working with truly amazing young adults as we explore the vast world of reading, writing, and interpreting in Language and Literature!
Upcoming Dates
October 8 - Unified Sports Day
October 18 - Picture Retake Day
October 19 - DMPS Graduation Walk
October 25 - Dance, Games, and Movie 3:25-4:45 (Sponsored by Sisters 4 Success)
October 28 - PTA Meeting in Media Center 6:30
October 31 - No School, Conferences 8:15-3:15
November 1 - No School, Professional Development
November 4 - No School, Professional Development, Conferences 4:00-7:30
November 5 - No School, Election Day
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