From her days spent in the Merrill band room to her current role as a local entrepreneur, Chloe Woods has always understood the value of community. Today, she is the owner of Mo Coco’s Coffee in Merrill, where she manages everything from crafting specialty drinks to planning events and classes. Chloe attributes much of her success to the intrinsic motivation she developed during her school years.
During her time as a student, Chloe found a mentor in Mr. Fletcher, whose encouragement of her interest in science left a lasting impact. While her "day in the life" is now filled with the hustle of growing a business and interacting with neighbors, her favorite place to unwind is at home with her family. Chloe’s journey from a motivated student to a business owner serves as a wonderful reminder of how local roots can blossom into a meaningful career.
#WeAreMerrill #VandalPride
A huge shoutout to our Finance Director, Kathy Nock, for doing a fantastic job welcoming other districts and making this exciting event happen. We also want to celebrate 6th grader Elaina Davis, who competed for the very first time this year! Great job, Elaina!
Interested in joining next year? For more information on how to participate in the spelling bee, please contact Mrs. Nock!
#WeAreMerrill #VandalPride
In honor of Career and Technical Education Month, we are proud to spotlight Tori Starke, an eleventh-grade student enrolled in the HVAC program at the Saginaw Career Complex.
Through hands-on learning and real-world experiences, students like Tori are gaining valuable skills, earning credentials, and preparing for their future—all while still in high school!
📍 Keep an eye out: CTE student billboards will be going up across our community later this month as we celebrate the opportunities available to students throughout Saginaw County.
#WeAreMerrill #VandalPride #SaginawCountyCTE #SCC #ExperienceYourFuture
Thursday our NHS students volunteered at the Special Olympics. NHS students are focused on serving the community with open arms. The experience made a great impact on both participants and volunteers. Thank you for leading by example!
Staff Spotlight: Melissa McNalley
Merrill Community Schools is excited to highlight Melissa McNalley! Now in her 12th year as our Lead GSRP Preschool Teacher, Melissa brings nearly 20 years of experience and a passion for early childhood education to Merrill Community Schools. A Saginaw Valley State University graduate, she specializes in Early Childhood Education.
In her classroom, Melissa follows the Mister Rogers philosophy: “Play is really the work of childhood.” Her students grow through hands-on fun, routines, and building friendships. When she’s not teaching, Melissa loves exploring the outdoors, four-wheeling, and hosting game nights with her husband, their two sons, and two dogs.
Join us in thanking Ms. Melissa for being such a vital part of our school family!
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WE ARE HIRING!
We’re looking for passionate educators to join our team:
-Lead Tuition Preschool Teacher
-Infant & Toddler Assistant Teacher
Help us create a bright future for our students!
Visit www.merrillschools.org/page/employment for job descriptions and how to apply.
#WeAreMerrill #VandalPride
From helping students navigate tough days to cheering them on as they reach their biggest milestones, our counselors provide the support, empathy, and guidance that make our school a better place.
Thank you for always putting students first!
#WeAreMerrill #VandalPride
Lillie Miller, was nominated for her outstanding reliability and her heart for others. Whether she is stepping up to help a peer master a difficult concept or making sure every birthday in her class is celebrated with a homemade treat, Lillie embodies the spirit of kindness and community we love to see in our Vandals.
Congratulations, Lillie! Thank you for making our school a sweeter place to be.
#WeAreMerrill #VandalPride
Mrs. Badder was nominated by a grateful parent who wanted to highlight the profound impact she has on her students' lives. It is clear that her classroom is a place where students don't just learn—they thrive.
It’s teachers like Mrs. Badder who remind us of the power of "going the extra mile." Her ability to make every student feel capable of greatness is exactly what being a Vandal is all about.
#WeAreMerrill #VandalPride
Principal Wiley took his 30 years of expertise to his alma mater, Alma College, to guest lecture on Ethics, Communication, and Professional Growth. Mr. Wiley shared his veteran perspective on the Mid-Michigan education landscape with a bright group of future teachers. It was a great session of real-talk about the current climate of education and answering the tough questions about the road ahead. Proud to have our Principal leading the way!
#WeAreMerrill #VandalPride
#WeAreMerrill #VandalPride
#WeAreMerrill #VandalPride
We look forward to welcoming our students back on Tuesday, January 20.
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We love seeing our students' faces in the halls every day. When they are here, they are learning, growing, and succeeding.
Help us reach our goal! If you need support getting your student to school, we’re here to help.
#WeareMerrill #SaginawISD
Our Board of Education members are volunteers who spend countless hours advocating for our children and our community. We are so lucky to have their leadership at Merrill Community Schools!
#WeAreMerrill #VandalPride
#WeAreMerrill #VandalPride
