As we approach the final stretch leading to the graduation of this year’s senior class, I felt it was time to share some information about our school district that most may not know. The bullet points below are just a few facts about Merrill Area Public Schools and how each are tied to the priorities established by the Community Conversation participants a few years ago.
Did You Know…?
*While the State of Wisconsin is currently experiencing a shortage of Technology Education Teachers, we received applications from 9 candidates applying for the vacancies at Prairie River Middle School and Merrill High School. We also had 18 candidates apply for the high school Science Teacher vacancy. (Retention/Appreciation of Staff & Administrators, STEAM/Fab Lab)
*Merrill High School has one of the largest Youth Apprenticeship Programs in the state. Approximately 120 high school students earned valuable career readiness experience through the MHS Youth Apprenticeship Program. (School-Based Services, Promoting Life Skills)
*MAPS students have participated in 68 volunteerism activities or events within the community this year. (Community Outreach)
*Last year, 159 students earned 672 college credits from NTC by taking dual credit courses while attending Merrill High School. (Depths of Knowledge)
*Since the completion of our Fab Lab this school year, 187 elementary school students have already been exposed to the Fab Lab and design process during this current semester. (STEAM/Fab Lab, Depths of Knowledge)
*Washington Elementary was the first elementary school to develop a Makerspace and offer their students this experience. (STEAM/Fab Lab, Depths of Knowledge)
*Jefferson Elementary School has had two teachers recognized this year by the WSAW Teacher Salute Program. (Retention/Appreciation of Staff & Administrators)
*Pine River School for Young Learners had one teacher recognized this year by the WSAW Teacher Salute Program. (Retention/Appreciation of Staff & Administrators)
*Our MAPS Facebook Page has over 4,000 Likes and Followers. (Proactive Optimistic Marketing & Branding of the School District, Community Outreach)
*The third Strategic Planning – A Community Conversation Meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 24 at 5:00 in the MHS Library. (Promoting Civic Responsibility and Citizenship, Community Outreach, Maintain Community Conversations)
*Last year, $1.25 million in scholarships were awarded to 82 graduating seniors. An additional $800,000 were awarded to two seniors as military academy appointments, bringing last year’s total to over two million dollars. (Elevate and Secure Community Financial Support, Continue to Enhance the Scholarship Program)
*MAPS students have participated in over 30 citizenship activities or events within the community this year. (Promoting Civic Responsibility & Citizenship)
*In collaboration with Lincoln County Health Department, Hydroponic Gardens at Pine River School for Young Learners, Jefferson Elementary, Washington Elementary and Maple Grove are being used to give students a hands-on experience of growing and harvesting vegetables throughout the school year. (Community/School Gardens)
*Merrill High School and Prairie River Middle School offer coding and programming classes to interested students. (Depths of Knowledge, Global Diversity Embedded in Curriculum)
*Since 2018, Kate Goodrich has recognized 320 students for being Chief Examples for Others as part of PBIS and its staff has sent home 99 Good News notes to families identifying the great work our students are doing. (Promoting Civic Responsibility and Citizenship)
*For the first time, Prairie River MIddle School has over 20 students earning high school credit for being enrolled in Discoveries (computer coding).
Thank you for your continued support and participation of our community school district. We greatly appreciate your involvement!
John Sample
Proud Superintendent