Alumni Spotlight: Sarah Lister (’20)
Impactful Educators
Sarah credits her career path to Mrs. Allison Jordan, who supported her from freshman year through her first year of college with constant encouragement and problem-solving. Sarah is also grateful for her first teacher, Mrs. Waterman, whose expressive and creative approach to kindergarten taught her the importance of being a kind friend.
Current Role: International Affairs at CMU
Sarah works in recruitment and international affairs at Central Michigan University. Her busy days involve helping global students pursue higher education by managing everything from recruitment and applications to visas and community building.
Advice to Her Freshman Self
"Don't rush adulthood," Sarah says. While she was always highly driven and focused on all the things to come, she would tell her younger self to enjoy being a teenager and live in the moment. You do not have to have everything planned out. More likely than not, that plan is going to change!
Impactful Educators
Sarah credits her career path to Mrs. Allison Jordan, who supported her from freshman year through her first year of college with constant encouragement and problem-solving. Sarah is also grateful for her first teacher, Mrs. Waterman, whose expressive and creative approach to kindergarten taught her the importance of being a kind friend.
Current Role: International Affairs at CMU
Sarah works in recruitment and international affairs at Central Michigan University. Her busy days involve helping global students pursue higher education by managing everything from recruitment and applications to visas and community building.
Advice to Her Freshman Self
"Don't rush adulthood," Sarah says. While she was always highly driven and focused on all the things to come, she would tell her younger self to enjoy being a teenager and live in the moment. You do not have to have everything planned out. More likely than not, that plan is going to change!
Happy National School Bus Driver Day! 🚌
A huge thank you to our bus drivers. You are the very first friendly faces our students see every morning and the ones who ensure they get home safely every afternoon.
We appreciate the care you put into every mile.
#WeAreMerrill #VandalPride
It's that time, summer will be here in no time!
If you are interested in our Summer Camp Program, please scan the QR code and a packet will be sent via email, or sent home with your child upon request.
Sign Up Today!
If you are interested in our Summer Camp Program, please scan the QR code and a packet will be sent via email, or sent home with your child upon request.
Sign Up Today!
We are so grateful for the kindness and generosity shown to our staff!
A big thank you to Pam Hales and the Merrill Wesleyan Church for putting together such a thoughtful gift basket for our team.
Release Time Bible Class means so much to the kids , so we are very thankful to the amazing members at Merrill Wesleyan Church for donating their time for us each month.
A big thank you to Pam Hales and the Merrill Wesleyan Church for putting together such a thoughtful gift basket for our team.
Release Time Bible Class means so much to the kids , so we are very thankful to the amazing members at Merrill Wesleyan Church for donating their time for us each month.
Join our team! We are now hiring a Middle/High School Special Education Teacher beginning in the 2026-2027 school year.
Make a difference in our classrooms—apply today!
Details: www.merrillschools.org/page/employment
#WeAreMerrill #VandalPride
Make a difference in our classrooms—apply today!
Details: www.merrillschools.org/page/employment
#WeAreMerrill #VandalPride
Merrill Community Child Development Center:
Our preschoolers had such a fun and busy day! We spent time getting creative with our special projects, and the kids did an amazing job showing off their imagination and hard work.
After that, we headed outside to enjoy the fresh air and ride bikes . There were lots of smiles, laughter, and great teamwork as everyone practiced their riding skills.
We love seeing our little learners grow, explore, and have fun together every day!
Our preschoolers had such a fun and busy day! We spent time getting creative with our special projects, and the kids did an amazing job showing off their imagination and hard work.
After that, we headed outside to enjoy the fresh air and ride bikes . There were lots of smiles, laughter, and great teamwork as everyone practiced their riding skills.
We love seeing our little learners grow, explore, and have fun together every day!
The Heartbeat of Merrill Community Schools 🍎
Behind every successful classroom and every smooth-running school is an incredible administrative professional. Today, we are proud to celebrate these dedicated individuals who keep our district moving forward.
From greeting our families with a smile to managing the complex logistics that keep our students safe and supported, these "MVPs" do it all.
Join us in saying THANK YOU to our administrative team for everything they do for the Merrill School Community!
#WeAreMerrill #VandalPride
Behind every successful classroom and every smooth-running school is an incredible administrative professional. Today, we are proud to celebrate these dedicated individuals who keep our district moving forward.
From greeting our families with a smile to managing the complex logistics that keep our students safe and supported, these "MVPs" do it all.
Join us in saying THANK YOU to our administrative team for everything they do for the Merrill School Community!
#WeAreMerrill #VandalPride
Summer Camp 2026!
Contact Merrill Elementary for more information: 989-643-7283 or mccdc@merrillschools.org
Contact Merrill Elementary for more information: 989-643-7283 or mccdc@merrillschools.org
🏀 Now Hiring: Varsity Boys Basketball Coach
Merrill High School is seeking a Varsity Boys Basketball Coach starting in the 2026-27 school year. Please see the job posting for more details and how to apply.
#WeAreMerrill #VandalPride
Merrill High School is seeking a Varsity Boys Basketball Coach starting in the 2026-27 school year. Please see the job posting for more details and how to apply.
#WeAreMerrill #VandalPride
🥎 Softball Schedule Update! 🥎
Heads up, Vandal fans! Today's softball game (4/17) is officially cancelled.
We’ve also got a time change for tomorrow (4/18) at Valley Lutheran. Softball games are now set for 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM.
Adjust those calendars and come out to support the team. Go Vandals!
#WeAreMerrill #VandalPride
Heads up, Vandal fans! Today's softball game (4/17) is officially cancelled.
We’ve also got a time change for tomorrow (4/18) at Valley Lutheran. Softball games are now set for 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM.
Adjust those calendars and come out to support the team. Go Vandals!
#WeAreMerrill #VandalPride
Staff Spotlight: Beth Miller
Since 2012, Beth Miller has been a vibrant part of our team, bringing a wonderful sense of kindness and a fun-loving spirit to her role as a cafeteria aide. Known for her thoughtfulness and her constant readiness to lend a hand, Beth makes every day at Merrill a little brighter for students and staff alike. When she isn't busy supporting our school community, her favorite way to enjoy our town is with a stop at the Whippy Dip. We are so lucky to have had her dedication for over a decade—thank you for everything you do, Beth!
#WeAreMerrill #VandalPride
Since 2012, Beth Miller has been a vibrant part of our team, bringing a wonderful sense of kindness and a fun-loving spirit to her role as a cafeteria aide. Known for her thoughtfulness and her constant readiness to lend a hand, Beth makes every day at Merrill a little brighter for students and staff alike. When she isn't busy supporting our school community, her favorite way to enjoy our town is with a stop at the Whippy Dip. We are so lucky to have had her dedication for over a decade—thank you for everything you do, Beth!
#WeAreMerrill #VandalPride
Join us on April 30th for Sips with the Supt.
At Mo Cocos from 7:30a-9:00a
Can't wait to see you there!
#WeAreMerrill #VandalPride
At Mo Cocos from 7:30a-9:00a
Can't wait to see you there!
#WeAreMerrill #VandalPride
Merrill Community Child Development Center:
Warmer weather means more time outdoors, seeing all the little animals that might cross our playground with big smiles from our little learners!
Where little friendships grow and big imaginations shine, we love watching our kiddos explore, laugh, and play together!
Warmer weather means more time outdoors, seeing all the little animals that might cross our playground with big smiles from our little learners!
Where little friendships grow and big imaginations shine, we love watching our kiddos explore, laugh, and play together!
Merrill Elementary 5th grade is getting ready to ACE the MSTEP!
Our 5th graders took some time to prepare mentally for the upcoming MSTEP testing with a pep talk from our amazing Principal and watching the powerful "Handle Hard Better" video by coach Kara Lawson. This inspiring message reminds us that we can overcome challenges with resilience and a positive mindset!
MSTEP testing for our 5th grade begins this week, and other grades will follow next week. To help all our students do their absolute best, we are encouraging a successful testing routine:
-Get a Good Night's Rest: A well-rested brain is a focused brain!
-Eat a Healthy Breakfast: Fuel up for the day with a nutritious meal.
-Arrive to School on Time: Let's start the day on a positive and prepared note.
We are so proud of our hardworking Merrill students. You’ve got this! Let’s go, Vandals!
#MerrillElementary #MSTEP #HandleHardBetter #FutureLeaders #TestPrep
Our 5th graders took some time to prepare mentally for the upcoming MSTEP testing with a pep talk from our amazing Principal and watching the powerful "Handle Hard Better" video by coach Kara Lawson. This inspiring message reminds us that we can overcome challenges with resilience and a positive mindset!
MSTEP testing for our 5th grade begins this week, and other grades will follow next week. To help all our students do their absolute best, we are encouraging a successful testing routine:
-Get a Good Night's Rest: A well-rested brain is a focused brain!
-Eat a Healthy Breakfast: Fuel up for the day with a nutritious meal.
-Arrive to School on Time: Let's start the day on a positive and prepared note.
We are so proud of our hardworking Merrill students. You’ve got this! Let’s go, Vandals!
#MerrillElementary #MSTEP #HandleHardBetter #FutureLeaders #TestPrep
Merrill Community Child Development Center:
Creativity in full bloom-
Our little artists had an amazing time exploring colors, textures, and their imaginations during today’s painting activity! From vibrant brushstrokes to big, beautiful masterpieces, every child expressed themselves in their own unique way.
We love providing hands-on experiences that encourage creativity, confidence, and lots of fun (even if it gets a little messy). Check out some of the incredible artwork decorating our space—our classroom is truly coming to life!
Creativity in full bloom-
Our little artists had an amazing time exploring colors, textures, and their imaginations during today’s painting activity! From vibrant brushstrokes to big, beautiful masterpieces, every child expressed themselves in their own unique way.
We love providing hands-on experiences that encourage creativity, confidence, and lots of fun (even if it gets a little messy). Check out some of the incredible artwork decorating our space—our classroom is truly coming to life!
March Super Vandal Student: Joe O'Dell, Merrill High School!
Joe O'Dell is a vital part of our school community. Whether he’s in the classroom, on the field, or helping out with a volunteer event, he shows up with a great attitude and gets the job done every single time. Joe is our first Super Vandal to be nominated by a Merrill student!
#WeAreMerrill #VandalPride
March Super Vandal Staff: Emily Ciszewski, Lead Infant Room Teacher!
Transitioning into the school day can be tough for parents, but Ms. Emily’s presence makes all the difference. One parent shared that Ms. Emily consistently eases their mind, providing a sense of security and peace that their baby is in the best possible hands. She was nominated by an alumnus of Merrill. Thank you, Emily for creating a safe environment for our littlest Vandals!
#WeAreMerrill VandalPride
SPRING BREAK | March 30 – April 6
Wishing all of our Vandals a safe and fun-filled week!
Reminder: School resumes on Tuesday, April 7th.
Wishing all of our Vandals a safe and fun-filled week!
Reminder: School resumes on Tuesday, April 7th.
Staff Spotlight: Suzanna McGraw
We are thrilled to feature Suzanna McGraw for this week’s Staff Spotlight! Suzanna wears many hats here at the middle and high school, serving as a dedicated teacher as well as the advisor for both Student Council and Law Day. An alumna of Indiana Wesleyan University, she finds her daily spark of energy from the students she works with every day. When she’s off the clock, she’s likely playing a match of tennis or cheering on the Tigers and Lions. When asked about her favorite thing about being a Merrill Vandal, Suzanna pointed directly to our the supportive administration that helps our staff and students thrive. We are so lucky to have her on our team!
#WeAreMerrill #VandalPride
We are thrilled to feature Suzanna McGraw for this week’s Staff Spotlight! Suzanna wears many hats here at the middle and high school, serving as a dedicated teacher as well as the advisor for both Student Council and Law Day. An alumna of Indiana Wesleyan University, she finds her daily spark of energy from the students she works with every day. When she’s off the clock, she’s likely playing a match of tennis or cheering on the Tigers and Lions. When asked about her favorite thing about being a Merrill Vandal, Suzanna pointed directly to our the supportive administration that helps our staff and students thrive. We are so lucky to have her on our team!
#WeAreMerrill #VandalPride
Merrill Community Child Development Center:
Our classroom has been full of giggles, curiosity, and fun this week! From sensory play to exploring new toys and enjoying time with friends, these little ones are learning and growing every day.
We love creating a safe, nurturing space where children can discover the world around them—one smile (and bubble!) at a time
Our classroom has been full of giggles, curiosity, and fun this week! From sensory play to exploring new toys and enjoying time with friends, these little ones are learning and growing every day.
We love creating a safe, nurturing space where children can discover the world around them—one smile (and bubble!) at a time
