One of the surest signs that summer is winding down took place earlier this week when the orientation session for new Merrill Area Public Schools teachers and staff took place. The nine new teachers and specialists in the district this school year are, front row, left to right: Anna Julson, MHS library and media specialist; Jessica Novitzke, elementary physical education; Elizabeth Porior, high school agriculture; Dawn Huseby, Jefferson special education; and Stephanie Nelson, high school physical education. Back row: Matthew Callope, high and middle school instrumental music; Aaron Athas, elementary music; Russell Noland, PRMS social studies/Washington math; and Kristine Bowe, Head Start speech and language clinician. The first day of school for MAPS students will be Wednesday, Sept. 1.