Merrill Minute
December 4, 2020
2nd Semester Learning Model Selection
While uncertainties remain with the COVID-19 conditions in Iowa, we need to get started on second semester scheduling. If you have not done so already, please click the link below to select the learning model that works best for your family for 2nd Semester. The deadline to make your selection has been extended until Sunday, December 6. Students without a completed form will remain in their current model.
Click here to make your selection.
About 65% of Merrill families have already completed the survey. So far the data is somewhat in alignment with what we saw 1st semester, with more families choosing virtual for 2nd semester. Assuming this trend continues, we do NOT anticipate any big scheduling changes for 2nd semester.
As a reminder, we will continue virtual learning through Friday, December 11. Under the waiver granted by the Iowa Department of Education, DMPS is tentatively scheduled to return to the hybrid model on Monday, December 14.
Yours in preparing for 2nd Semester,
Kate
Kathryn Panek, Principal
Merrill Middle School
6-Week Rotation
Teachers have been visiting with students about this upcoming rotation and links will populate in Canvas over the weekend.
Performing Arts Reminder
As a reminder, all students have been rostered into a course titled General Music. DAILY, during that period, students will check in for a 5-10-minute, musical learning engagement with the teacher listed on the student’s schedule.
Students will also be rostered into small group sectionals/performing ensembles/lesson groups for band, orchestra, or vocal music on a WEEKLY basis according to the student’s performing arts request. These small groups will primarily be scheduled during the performing arts period, but could be scheduled at various times throughout the day. Mr. Morgan (band), Mrs. Graham (orchestra) and Mrs. Copic (vocal music) will be reaching out to individual students via email and Infinite Campus to let them know when their small group sectional/ensemble/lesson will be.
We are NOT able to accommodate scheduling changes to performing arts classes at this time.
Checking in on student learning
The Merrill Middle School Homework Check-In link can be found on the front page of our website and is your one-stop-shop for accessing the learning materials for each day and staying up-to-date on what is assigned and due. Click here to access the Merrill Middle School Homework Check-in.
Mock Trial Teams Advance to State
Also, congratulations to Julianna Chivers and Ben Harrington for being recognized as All State Witnesses! We are proud of you!
The competition this year consisted of 80 teams from all across our state, with 24 qualifying for state. A huge thank you to the volunteer coaches who make this opportunity a reality for Merrill students.
The Gift of Literacy
In one of the professional books that we rely on at Merrill to guide us as we strengthen student learning, we found this reminder of the value of wide reading: “The habit of daily reading…overwhelmingly correlates with better reading skills and high academic achievement.” The author continues, “It only makes sense that students should be reading something in every class every day related to the content, ideally something so interesting that they will want to continue reading outside of class.”
–This Is Disciplinary Literacy: Reading, Writing, Thinking, and Doing…Content Area by Content Area by Releah Cossett Lent (2016)
As you can see from the chart below, time spent reading adds up to significant word exposure. Continue to encourage your middle school student to set aside a little time each day during this time of virtual learning to read. They can read books, blogs, newspapers, tables, graphs, lyrics, magazines, infographics, etc. As expected, students who have some autonomy in choosing what they read, tend to be more engaged in reading.
Social-Emotional Learning Survey
Parenting Love and Logic
Equity Series
The Hanawalt Elementary School PTA is sponsoring a virtual series on equity within the DMPS District and have invited all Roosevelt High School feeder schools to join! The first session will feature Peter LeBlanc, from the DMPS Office of Talent Support. Mr. LeBlanc will review the results of the DMPS Anti-Racist Townhalls and what actions the district plans to take next due to the results of the meetings. Q&A will follow.
When: Tuesday, December 8th at 7:00 p.m.
Zoom Meeting ID: 661 540 6079
Password: 176200
Link: https://voyafa.zoom.us/j/6615406079?pwd=MWhlYjhHa3NnT3pOeFpvemFvVEc4QT09
Oh, The Places You Can Go!
Supporting Virtual Learning at Home
Electronic Devices Off and Put Away
Arrive on-time
Camera on
Encourage your student to turn the camera on during instruction and discussion. We have anecdotal evidence that students who are using their cameras are more engaged and thus meeting the learning targets at a higher rate.
Merrill Virtual Schedule
Merrill Links - We are here for you!
Link to the Merrill Website
Link to Nurse Menke
Link to Merrill Counseling Office
Calendar
December 6: 2nd Semester Learning Model Selection Due
December 14: Tentative return to Hybrid Model
December 23-31: Winter Break
Merrill Middle School
Email: jane.schumann@dmschools.org
Website: merrill.dmschools.org
Location: 5301 Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA, USA
Phone: 515-242-8448
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/merrillpta
Twitter: @MerrillMustangs