Dear Merrill #FAMILY,

Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership. In light of the recent election, we recognize that emotions may be running high among our students. While it is essential for our students to express their feelings, we must also emphasize the importance of respecting our school environment. Any acts of disrespect, including graffiti, are unacceptable regardless of political views.

We kindly ask that you engage in conversations with your students about respecting our building and exploring healthy ways to process their emotions. To assist, we have provided some resources below that may be helpful in facilitating these discussions.

• How to Talk to Children About Politics, PBS

• Talking to Kids About Politics, Children’s Hospital Colorado

• Talking to Kids About Politics, Children’s Health

• Talking to Kids About Politics, The Kids Mental Health Foundation

Additionally, we would like to remind you of the upcoming events:

• Career Fair: Our 8th graders will be attending the DPS career fair on 11/20 from 9:15-11:30.

• Save the Date for Spring Events:

• Continuation: May 30th, 5:30-7:00

• SoUL Night: May 22nd - A Merrill Required Event

• Spring Concert: May 7th, 5:30

• Spring Dance: May 16th, time TBD

• Conferences: In-Person on 3/19 and Virtual on 3/20

As we move deeper into winter, we will be going outside for recess as much as possible. Please ensure your students have the appropriate attire for winter weather.

Thank you for your attention to this matter and for helping us maintain a respectful school community.

Sincerely,

Merrill Leadership

Dear Merrill #FAMILY,

We hope this message finds you and your loved ones well. As we move forward following the recent election, we understand that many families in our community may feel uncertainty or concern, particularly around issues related to immigration policies and the safety of their families and children. During times like these, it is more important than ever to reaffirm our commitment to ensuring a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment for every student, regardless of their immigration status or the status of their families.

At Merrill, our highest priority is the well-being and education of every child who walks through our doors. We believe that all students deserve a secure and nurturing environment where they can learn, grow, and thrive without fear or concern for their safety or privacy. In line with our values, we are committed to protecting the privacy of all students and their families, including immigration status, in full compliance with federal and state laws.

As a public school, we do not and will not collect or share information regarding students' or families' immigration status with immigration enforcement agencies. We will continue to advocate for all of our students to receive the education they deserve, free from discrimination or fear.

We remain dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment where every student feels safe and valued. We will continue to stand with you and your children every step of the way. Students may process any feelings they are having with our Mental Health Support Team at any time in the school day.

Thank you for being a vital part of our Merrill community. Together, we will continue to support and uplift one another.

Sincerely,

Patrice Underwood
Principal
Merrill Middle School

Updated Play Info!!

Fall Play- Fall Play "The Play That Went Wrong"

11/9/24 2PM & 4:30PM

Tickets will be sold at the door. $5 general admission. Under 2 is free!

11/13/24- Merrill Dine Out at Beau Joes Pizza

11/13/24- Fall Concert 5:30PM

11/14/24- GW Showcase Night 5:30-7PM

11/19/24 - PTSA Meeting @Goosetown Tavern 6:30PM

11/20/24- Rescheduled South High School 8th Grade Showcase 5:30-8PM

*** please bring your extra Halloween candy for the Merrill Store!!

Please check in with your student to ensure they are following the Quarterly Contracts!

Here is a reminder of what is in the contracts:

ATTENDANCE (10/20/24 - 12/20/24)

• I can be prepared and organized for class by bringing my materials (charged chromebook, notebook, pencil, etc.)

• I can be on time for my classes and not have 3 or more tardies in a single class per quarter.}

• I take ownership of my learning by attending all assigned Office Hours/ Lunch Opportunities.

RESPECT FOR SELF AND OTHERS

• I am a responsible and respectful Merrill Jaguar by having no more than 1 OSS/ 2 ISS. If I have any OSS or ISS, I have reflected on my choices and changed my behavior.

• I demonstrate kindness and respect towards my peers and all adults within the building.

• I have reflected on my choices and changed my behavior after receiving a reflection sheet

PERFORMANCE

• I can be accountable for my learning and engaged in my classes by submitting assignments and having no more than 2 missing assignments per class. (Science/Social Studies combined)

Boys and Girls Flag Football teams are doing amazing! Thank you, families, for the continued support.

For any kids who did not make the team, refunds have been issued.

Enjoy your snow day!! Stay safe and warm!

We are 30% of the way to our goal with almost $26k raised so far. A

HUGE thank you to those who have already donated! Let’s keep the

momentum going toward our goal of $77,777. There are close to 600

families at Merrill. We currently have participation from 74 families.

Imagine what we could do if 100% of our families gave!

Every dollar goes to support every student, and no donation amount

is too small!

Give today!!! fundrazr.com/merrillmovers2024

Our goal this year is to raise $77,777. Why all the 7's?

Because we are supporting the Seven Habits of a Highly Successful Merrill!

What are the 7 Habits and what programs do your donations support?

1. Excellence in Academics Funds support Department Grants,

Apps/Software, Teacher Development, Learning Materials, ELA, GT, Special Ed, Learning Interventionists, and Continued Curriculum for and Literature Updates for Novels and Lit Circles

2. Varied, High-Quality, Electives, Enrichments and Clubs Funds support Extra Electives in dance and drama, Materials and Supplies, 3rd Party providers, Club stipends for teachers

3. Upgrading and Improving our Facility and Learning Environment Funds support Furniture Upgrades,

Outside Garden, Outdoor Tables, Trees for Shade, Tech in the Building and Classrooms

4. Providing External Learning Experiences Funds support school wide excursions and Field Trips aligned with Units of Study

5. Implementing Technology and STEM Funds support Updating/Maintaining Classroom Technology, Chrome Books, STEM Lab Upgrades, etc.

6. Promoting Athletics, Wellness and Mental Health Funds support providing more athletic opportunities, equipment and uniforms, advisement wellness education support, and additional Mental Health staff

7. Creating Community Funds support events like the Student Dances, Quarterly Celebrations, Teacher

Appreciation, 8th Grade Continuation

PTSA Membership Drive!!

Click HERE Now!

Please help support your kiddo and the amazing teachers and staff at Merrill by joining

the PTSA. The PTSA extends funding to each classroom, teacher and program offered

at Merrill and we cannot do it without the Merrill parent community, plus you get a closer

look into your child's school with PTSA involvement! Here are the initiatives where the

PTSA provides support:

 Teacher/Department Grants

 After School Clubs

 Student Council

 Merrill Store

 Field Trips/Grade Level Celebrations

 Grant Writing

 Teacher Appreciation

 Merrill Spirit Gear

 International Festival

 Attendance Reward Parties

 Families Helping Families & Merrill Meals

 Dads at Merrill (DAM)

 Monthly Dine-Out Socials & Grocery Shopping Fundraisers

 Fundraising for all of the above!

 If the PTSA can help with anything to guide you through middle school, please

reach out to ptsamerrillmiddleschool@gmail.com

Join Us for Our Next PTSA Meeting!!

Tuesday, November 19 th at Goosetown Tavern!

Our next meeting will be at Goosetown Tavern (3242 E Colfax Ave) on November 19th

at 6:30pm

Let’s get together to talk about the exciting happenings at Merrill, while also getting a

little pre-Thanksgiving break cheer on!!

Dads at Merrill (D@M)

Are you a Dad reading this?

Connect with other Jaguar Dads by emailing john.hesse@me.com

Click to gear up your Jaguar with 20% off code: SAVE20

Quick links to support Merrill:

Donate your Longmont Dairy Caps

in the Merrill Office

Longmont Dairy supports Merrill by

giving 5¢ back for every milk cap!

Start collecting and tell your neighbors

that Merrill is a drop off location for

Longmont Dairy milk & juice caps!

Enroll Merrill as your Community

Rewards Recipient under My Account!

Jaguars Next Dine Out – Wednesday, November 13th at Beau Jo’s DU

**Be sure to mention you are dining out for Merrill when you place your order!**

Join us on Wednesday, November 13th – Beau Jo’s will donate 20% the pre-tax sale to

Merrill!

December 10 @ Raising Cane's - Colorado Blvd 3:00 - 9:00

April 29 @ Campus Lounge - 4:00-10:00

The Families Helping Families Committee is collecting grocery gift cards to help Merrill families in need over the holidays. Please bring $25 Safeway or King Soopers gift cards to the Merrill front office by December 4th. Thank you!

November is National Native American Heritage Month. We celebrate the cultural wealth of achievements and contributions that all Native Americans have provided and continue to bring. Below are some book recommendations that can be found on Sora to help with appreciating the cultural importance of Native American people.

Greetings #FAMILY! Merrill Meals pantry provides free groceries once a month to Merrill families that would like to receive extra food. We understand that everyone could use some support from time to time, and we are here to help.

If you would like to receive extra groceries one-time per month, please complete this private and anonymous survey, so we can provide the food items that your family likes to eat and match your preferences. Please mark the items that you would like to have potentially included in your pre-packed backpack.

***NOTE: Not all items are available, but we will match your request with whatever is in stock! Thank you.

Form can be found HERE

The Merrill Store is designed to promote positive behavior and encourages students to make good choices. They earn Merrill Money throughout their time at school and use it to "purchase" items at the store during their recess. Items include snacks, chips, candy, sports equipment, Merrill gear, fidgets, toys, stickers and most importantly- gift cards! Please see the Sign Up Genius below to sign up to donate items and to volunteer at the store. It's so fun seeing your student during the school day! We will have the store open 2 Fridays a month and hope to see you there!

MerrillStoreSUG

Club Offerings 24-25

Join us for our Future Patriots Showcase on Thursday, November 14 from 5:30 to 7:30 PM. Please arrive 15 minutes early for check-in. This event will provide an in-depth look at how we support our students' success both inside and outside the classroom. We’ll start in the George Washington High School Auditorium, followed by breakout sessions throughout the campus where you can explore specific topics and ask questions to our staff and student ambassadors. Registration link can be found here.

The Family Cultural Festival is a unique celebration that engages families and communities by promoting fun, learning, and meaningful connections. Taking place on Saturday, November 9th, from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm, this event celebrates multicultural diversity and provides resources to foster wellness and socioemotional growth.

The Families will have the opportunity to learn about restorative practices and take part in a welcoming environment focused on family well-being. Together, we aim to strengthen relationships within the Denver Public Schools (DPS) community and celebrate the cultural diversity that makes our district vibrant.

This new pilot program will provide 4,000 eligible Denver Public Schools middle school students with $1,000 to enroll in afterschool programs. As students enroll in participating programs, My Spark Denver will also invest $4 million in afterschool activities.

My Spark Denver gives parents the agency to decide how they want to use the money, which is provided to them in the form of a restricted debit card that can be redeemed across 100+ afterschool providers, big and small. Every kid is different and what parents really need are the resources to help their children pursue their sparks, whether it's fencing, football or fashion design.