The Merrill Minute
January 2023
Pause to Celebrate!
As we kick off a new year, let's pause to celebrate all that was accomplished in 2022.
Celebrating Students
Semester 1 officially ends on Friday, January 13. I want to take a moment to celebrate the accomplishments of our students. Students have settled into new middle school routines, learned how to organize their day, met new friends, tried out new clubs and activities, and have persisted through struggles and triumphs.
Semester grades will be posted by January 20. In Infinite Campus, you will find a final semester grade and topic scores that more clearly define what your student knows and can do.
We are proud of you, Merrill Mustangs, for forging forth. Someday you will look back at the experiences and circumstances of middle school and know that you accomplished much more than any letter grade could ever represent.
Celebrating Families
This semester has been both rewarding and challenging. We have heard from many of you about what works for your student and what doesn't. We've used this feedback to develop our next steps, rethink practices, and in some cases, change course. There is no perfect solution. Thank you for the love that you pour into your student, the emphasis you place on being kind and caring, and for continuing to believe that this generation of students is up to the challenge of creating a better and more peaceful world. Thank you, Merrill families!
Celebrating Staff
Finally, I want to take a moment to celebrate the efforts of the Merrill staff. They continue to be learners themselves, are incredibly thoughtful about their work and are relentless in their pursuit of student learning. Our community is beyond blessed by the amazing team at Merrill. Thank you, Merrill teachers and staff!
Yours in celebrating Merrill students, families, and staff,
Kate
Kathryn Panek, Principal
Merrill Middle School
Mustang TV
Semester 2
Semester two officially begins on Thursday, January 19. Semester two schedules are available in the Infinite Campus parent and student portals. Please have students double-check which extended core class (Art, Business, Health, or Spanish) they'll head to on January 19. For a majority of students, this will be the only change for the new semester.
Our mission for Semester 2 remains the same - to create a better and more peaceful, liberated world. With your partnership, your feedback, as well as your support, we will do just that. Know that you are always welcome at Merrill, so please don't ever hesitate to call, e-mail, or stop by and visit.
Merrill Mustang Building-Wide Expectations
Our mission at Merrill is to create a better and more peaceful, liberated world. In doing so we partner with students to establish a culture that supports improving social, emotional, behavioral, and academic outcomes for all students.
As we kick off the new year, we will be re-emphasizing our building-wide expectations - taking time to converse, teach, and provide students time to practice the expectations listed below all across our campus.
Opportunities to join the team!
Volunteers
Guest Teachers, Associates, and Nurses
DMPS - Join the Team!
Dismissal
Community Legislative Action Team
Spring Break
Spring Break is March 13-17. The Monday and Tuesday following Spring Break, March 20-21, are staff professional development days.
DMPS Board Goals
- Goal 1: The Percent of All Fourth Grade Students Proficient on the ISASP ELA Assessment will increase from 52.7% in June 2022 to 67% in June 2026.
- Goal 2: The Percent of Black Male Fourth Grade Students Proficient on the ISASP ELA Assessment will increase from 29.5% in June 2022 to 67% in June 2026.
- Goal 3: The Percent of Black Male Eleventh Grade Students Proficient on the ISASP Mathematics Assessment will increase from 17.7% in June 2022 to 45% in June 2026.
Upcoming Dates
January 4: Classes Resume
January 16: No School - Martin Luther King Jr. Day
January 17: No School - Professional Development
January 18: No School - Professional Development
January 19: Second Semester Begins
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