Community Conversation
It’s hard to believe that it has been almost two years since our first Community Conversation event. During those three evenings at the high school, almost 100 community members came together to establish their vision of what they wanted their school district to look like. Nineteen Community Conversation priorities were established. These priorities continue to be our focus as we strive to provide a safe educational environment for our students.
At each monthly Board Meeting, progress toward our Community Conversation priorities is shared with our Board and the public in attendance. Our top twelve priorities below are listed, including the number of strategies, programs or activities that align with each priority.
Retention/Appreciation of Staff & Administrators 28
Promoting Civic Responsibility & Citizenship 27
STEAM/FAB Lab 34
Community Outreach 56
Pro-active, Optimistic, Marketing & Branding of the School District 33
Maintain Community Conversations 6
School-based Services 19
Career Coaches/Mentors 1
Flexible Options for Personalized Learning Progress 6
Depths of Knowledge 3
Elevate and Secure Community Financial Support Progress 12
Promoting Life Skills 4
It’s important to understand that most of our priorities are programs or events that take place outside of our classroom instruction.
Jay Stadium – The Final Phase
The final phase of the Jay Stadium project is on schedule and should be completed in time for the start of our Fall sports program. The building you see being constructed is a concession stand and the restroom facility. The entire project was made possible due to the generous support of our community businesses and private donors. Thank you for supporting a facility that will be a source of pride for many years to come!
MAPS Awarded Safety Grant
Attorney General Brad Schimel recently announced the Merrill Area Public Schools will be among a list of 147 schools and districts to be awarded the next round of safety grants through the Wisconsin Department of Justice School Safety Grant program.
MAPS applied for and was awarded $108,753.00. Dale Bergman, Director of Buildings and Grounds stated, “This grant money will be utilized to provide secure single points of entry to our schools, bolster our camera systems and add shatter resistant film to our entrances.” MAPS is very grateful to be a recipient of this grant. The work can begin immediately and must be completed by June 30, 2019, under the guidelines of the grant. Other requirements of the grant requires ongoing safety drills and staff training.
MAPS will continue to remain proactive by continuing programs such as school-based counseling services, trauma sensitive student approaches and collaborating with outside mental health service providers.
John Sample
Proud Superintendent