For children and teens, attending school isn’t just about getting an education. It’s about developing their whole selves—emotionally, socially, and personally.

Attending school regularly and in person gives students the ability to follow daily routines, as well as connect with friends, peers, teachers, and others outside their family circle. They’re able to engage and interact, to use their brains and try new things. They can be part of a team. They have a purpose.

Help your child be their best self. Promote good attendance.

Credit: Adapted from The Ad Council

In the Strategic Plan, Mercer School has identified six strategic priorities:

• Teaching and Learning
• Environment for Learning
• Developing the Whole Child
• Finance and Operations
• Culture and Community
• College and Career Readiness

Each week, our newsletter highlights stories, projects, and achievements that reflect these six strategic priorities, showcasing the impactful work of our students, staff, and community. By focusing our efforts on these critical areas, we are confident that Mercer School can create the best possible learning environment and opportunities, paving the way for our students' success today and in the future.

At Mercer School, we are committed to fostering a culture where partnerships, belonging, and positive relationships thrive. That’s why we are proud to highlight "Connections: Linking Community and Curriculum", a vital initiative aligned with our strategic priority of Culture and Community.

The goal of this initiative is simple yet powerful: to bring together students, staff, families, and community members to create a supportive and welcoming environment. By encouraging active participation from all stakeholders, we are working to achieve a shared vision of success that benefits everyone.

Through "Connections," we aim to:

• Build strong partnerships with community organizations, businesses, and families.
• Foster positive relationships within the school and beyond.
• Ensure that all voices are heard and included in decision-making processes.
• Create opportunities where community expertise enriches classroom learning and vice versa.

This initiative is not just about collaboration—it’s about creating a culture where every student, staff member, and community partner feels valued and empowered to contribute to our shared vision. Together, we can build a brighter future by linking what we do in school with the resources and strengths of our community.

We invite you to join us on this journey. Whether by volunteering, sharing your expertise, or attending school events, your involvement makes a difference. Let’s work together to strengthen our connections and create lasting opportunities for our students and community!

The examples below highlight the many ways our school is building connections through partnerships and positive relationships. These efforts are part of our ongoing commitment to creating a supportive culture that benefits students, staff, and the broader community.

This week, we highlight the following Connections:

• Mercer Lions and Leos Reading Buddies
• MECCA, ICORE and SISU sponsor cross country skiing lessons for 2-4 grade students
• Mercer Education Foundation sponsors the 7-12 grade ski/snowboard trip to Powderhorn.
• Science Club plans the May Invention Convention at the Mercer Public Library.

At Mercer School, fostering a love of reading and strengthening our school community go hand in hand. Our Reading Buddies program, in partnership with the Mercer Lions and Leos, brings students together in a meaningful way, supporting both literacy development and relationship building.

Through this initiative, members of the Lions and Leos dedicate their time to reading with elementary students, helping to nurture early literacy skills while also serving as positive role models. Whether sharing a favorite story, guiding young readers through challenging words, or simply engaging in conversation, these moments create lasting connections that benefit students beyond the pages of a book.

A culture of partnership, inclusivity and positive relationships, both inside and outside the school, supports students, staff, and the community. Stakeholders actively participate to achieve a shared vision of success.

At Mercer School, we recognize that student success is closely tied to overall health and well-being. That’s why we were thrilled to welcome NorthLakes Community Clinic to our school for a special visit focused on dental health and hygiene. During the visit, students will receive basic dental screenings, learn about proper brushing and flossing techniques, and gain a better understanding of how oral health connects to their overall well-being.

Good dental health is more than just a bright smile—it plays a critical role in a child’s ability to learn, focus, and feel confident in the classroom. Studies show that untreated dental issues can lead to pain, difficulty eating, and missed school days, all of which impact academic performance. By providing access to dental care, we help ensure that students stay healthy and ready to learn.

This visit aligns with our school’s strategic focus on Developing the Whole Child, emphasizing the importance of physical health alongside academic growth. Through partners like NorthLakes Community Clinic, we are working to remove barriers to care and promote lifelong healthy habits.

Together, we are building a stronger, healthier school community—one smile at a time!

Experiences are designed to provide a range of opportunities and supports aligned with interests, aspirations, needs and overall well-being

Last week, I shared that our 2nd-4th grade students will be provided cross-country ski lessons made possible by the work of volunteers at MECCA and ICORE through a generous grant from SISU. Now that we have some snow on the trail, we were able to schedule the lessons. Students in grades 2-4 will have lessons on the following dates:

• February 5
• February 12
• February 19
• February 26

This opportunity will introduce young learners to the fundamentals of skiing, helping them develop balance, coordination, and a love for outdoor winter activities.

A culture of partnership, inclusivity and positive relationships, both inside and outside the school, supports students, staff, and the community. Stakeholders actively participate to achieve a shared vision of success.

Upcoming cross-country ski lessons not only connect to culture and community, but also our physical education curriculum. Just one example of how Mercer School builds connections that link community and curriculum.

Teaching and Learning: Learners are engaged in high-quality personalized experiences that build identify and agency.

What does it mean to build identity and agency?

Identity refers to students understanding who they are, what they care about, and how they fit into the world around them. Agency means that students have the skills and confidence to make choices, set goals, and take action to shape their future. By focusing on identity and agency, we are helping students become active participants in their own learning and growth, empowering them to succeed both in school and beyond.

A culture of partnership, inclusivity and positive relationships, both inside and outside the school, supports students, staff, and the community. Stakeholders actively participate to achieve a shared vision of success.

Are you looking for a way to support our students and school athletic programs? The Booster Club is a vital part of enhancing student athletics, and we need your help to make it stronger than ever!

We invite all parents, staff, and community members to attend the Booster Club Reorganization Meeting. This is a great opportunity to get involved, share ideas, and help shape the future of the Booster Club. Together, we can ensure our students have the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.

A culture of partnership, inclusivity and positive relationships, both inside and outside the school, supports students, staff, and the community. Stakeholders actively participate to achieve a shared vision of success.

Click on the link below to download a sponsorship form.

Thanks to the generous support of the Education Foundation, students in grades 7–12 will have the opportunity to hit the slopes at Powderhorn on February 12 for an exciting skiing/snowboarding adventure! This field trip will give students a chance to enjoy the great outdoors, practice their skills, and experience the many benefits of winter recreation.

The trip is open to all 7th–12th grade students, whether they are beginners or experienced skiers. It’s a fantastic opportunity for students to be active, challenge themselves, and make lasting memories with their classmates.

We are incredibly grateful to the Education Foundation for making this trip possible and for their ongoing commitment to providing enriching experiences for our students. Get ready for a day of fun on the slopes!

A culture of partnership, inclusivity and positive relationships, both inside and outside the school, supports students, staff, and the community. Stakeholders actively participate to achieve a shared vision of success.

Mrs. Engler is leading the Science Club to create inventions that will be shared with the community at an event at the Public Library. Students will be submitting ideas in February and developing those ideas over the next few months for a public showing in May. Stay tuned for more information!

Teaching and Learning: Learners are engaged in high-quality personalized experiences that build identify and agency.

What does it mean to build identity and agency?

Identity refers to students understanding who they are, what they care about, and how they fit into the world around them. Agency means that students have the skills and confidence to make choices, set goals, and take action to shape their future. By focusing on identity and agency, we are helping students become active participants in their own learning and growth, empowering them to succeed both in school and beyond.

Jan 27 North Lakes Dental Clinic

Jan 27 10:00 AM Reading Buddies

Jan 27 5:00 PM School Board Meeting/in cafeteria

Jan 27 5:45 PM Basketball: Girls Varsity @ Wakefield

Jan 27 7:00 PM Basketball: Boys Varsity @ Wakefield

Jan 28 5:45 PM Basketball: Girls Varsity @ Home vs South Shore

Jan 28 7:15 PM Basketball: Boys Varsity @Home vs South Shore

Jan 30 5:00 PM MS Volleyball @Home vs. Bayfield

Jan 31 5:45 PM Basketball:Girls Varsity @ Washburn

Jan 31 7:15 PM Basketball:Boys Varsity @ Washburn

Monday, Jan 27

Corn Dogs, Peas, Pistachio Fluff

Tuesday, Jan 28

Hamburgers, Potato Wedges, Mandarin Oranges

Wednesday, Jan 29

Chili, Corn, Cornbread, Pineapple

Thursday, Jan 30

Chicken Drummies, Stuffing, Peaches

Friday, Jan 31

Scalloped Potatoes w/Ham, Carrots, Pears

Mercer School understands the importance of providing students with healthy meals to support their learning and overall well-being. That’s why we proudly offer free breakfast and lunch to all students.

Experiences are designed to provide a range of opportunities and supports aligned with interests, aspirations, needs and overall well-being

Stay up to date with the latest news and announcements by using the Mercer School App. You can use the QR code below to download the app:

Email: rmcmurray@mercertigers.org
Website: https://www.mercer.k12.wi.us/
Location: 2690 Margaret Street, Mercer, WI, USA
Phone: 715-388-8274

Mercer Memo is edited using ChatGPT