Reminder: There is no school for students this Friday, March 20th, due to a Staff Professional Development. Classes will resume on Monday, March 23rd. Have a great weekend!
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
Today was a busy and productive district-wide PD day! We’re sharpening our skills to keep our schools safe, inclusive, and prepared. Huge thanks to our guest experts:
-Jason Louwaert (SEC) for critical district-wide security updates.
-Kim Miller (Saginaw ISD) for empowering our support staff with strategies to support our students with Autism.
-The YMCA for providing essential CPR training to our Early Childhood staff and our newest first-year teachers.
Thank you to our dedicated team for your commitment to our students' safety and success!
#WeAreMerrill #VandalPride
-Jason Louwaert (SEC) for critical district-wide security updates.
-Kim Miller (Saginaw ISD) for empowering our support staff with strategies to support our students with Autism.
-The YMCA for providing essential CPR training to our Early Childhood staff and our newest first-year teachers.
Thank you to our dedicated team for your commitment to our students' safety and success!
#WeAreMerrill #VandalPride
Staff Spotlight: Jennifer Miller
Meet Jennifer Miller, the Literacy Coach who helps our students at Merrill Elementary find their spark! Jennifer’s heart is right here in our halls—when asked about her favorite thing in the community, she shared, "I love our school!" It’s that genuine school spirit that makes her such a joy to work with. For Jennifer, the best part of the day is always the students; it’s "the kids!" who provide her with the daily energy and inspiration to keep our literacy programs thriving. We are so lucky to have her passion and dedication supporting our young readers!
#WeAreMerrill #VandalPride
Meet Jennifer Miller, the Literacy Coach who helps our students at Merrill Elementary find their spark! Jennifer’s heart is right here in our halls—when asked about her favorite thing in the community, she shared, "I love our school!" It’s that genuine school spirit that makes her such a joy to work with. For Jennifer, the best part of the day is always the students; it’s "the kids!" who provide her with the daily energy and inspiration to keep our literacy programs thriving. We are so lucky to have her passion and dedication supporting our young readers!
#WeAreMerrill #VandalPride
Merrill Community Child Development Center:
Feeling lucky and full of energy today!
Our little learners celebrated St. Patrick’s Day dressed in green and ready for fun! From festive smiles to active play, the gym was full of laughter as the children showed off their hula hoop skills and kept those bodies moving.
We love combining holiday spirit with healthy activity—what a joyful day!
#StPatricksDay #LuckyLittleLearners #ActiveKids #ChildcareFun
Feeling lucky and full of energy today!
Our little learners celebrated St. Patrick’s Day dressed in green and ready for fun! From festive smiles to active play, the gym was full of laughter as the children showed off their hula hoop skills and kept those bodies moving.
We love combining holiday spirit with healthy activity—what a joyful day!
#StPatricksDay #LuckyLittleLearners #ActiveKids #ChildcareFun
Congratulations to the Merrill High School Concert Band on earning all II's at Festival today! So proud of your accomplishment! Seniors, four years of hard work certainly shows!
#GoVandals #Vandalpride
Alumni Spotlight: Erin (Griffore) Arnst
From the track to the lab, Erin (Griffore) Arnst has carried the Vandal spirit with her since graduating in 2006! While she now serves as a Lead Histocompatibility Specialist at Michigan State University—performing the critical testing needed to match organ donors with recipients—she still draws on core values she learned at Merrill Community Schools. Erin fondly remembers Mr. Wiley as a mentor who pushed her to be her absolute best, whether he was teaching social studies or coaching her on the track. He taught her how to work hard independently while staying humble enough to be a true team player, a balance she uses every day in her highly complex medical career. Whether she’s diving into molecular biology or hearing the opening notes of "Ice Ice Baby" (which still takes her right back to her high school days!), Erin remains a proud example of where a Merrill education can lead. We love seeing our alumni making such a life-changing impact!
#WeAreMerrill #VandalPride
Staff Spotlight: Lauren LaDouce
Lauren LaDouce has been a dedicated teacher at Merrill Community Schools since 2021, teaching High School English and Publishing. She says her favorite thing about being a Vandal is our close-knit staff and the supportive community we share.
What truly energizes Lauren at work is the relationships she builds with her students—a passion she is bringing to her new role as our Drama teacher this year. She is currently hard at work directing our upcoming production, Eclipse. Be sure to mark your calendars for April 17–19 to see her and her students' hard work come to life on stage!
#WeAreMerrill #VandalPride
Lauren LaDouce has been a dedicated teacher at Merrill Community Schools since 2021, teaching High School English and Publishing. She says her favorite thing about being a Vandal is our close-knit staff and the supportive community we share.
What truly energizes Lauren at work is the relationships she builds with her students—a passion she is bringing to her new role as our Drama teacher this year. She is currently hard at work directing our upcoming production, Eclipse. Be sure to mark your calendars for April 17–19 to see her and her students' hard work come to life on stage!
#WeAreMerrill #VandalPride
Little learners hard at play!
Today our sweet toddlers and babies had the best time exploring and learning together. From active fun in the gym filled with giggles, and even practicing important life skills like sweeping — every moment was an opportunity to grow!
We love watching their confidence bloom as they build coordination, teamwork, and independence through play.
Thank you to our wonderful families for sharing your precious little ones with us. Their smiles make our days brighter!
Huge shoutout to our February Super Vandal Staff winner, Alexis Dill, who truly embodies the spirit of a "Super Woman" for the entire Merrill community! Alexis ensures our schools run smoothly and everyone feels a genuine sense of belonging. From volunteering countless hours for sports and activities to collaborating with local businesses, her dedication spans from the Elementary level all the way to the High School. She consistently goes above and beyond for students, staff, and visitors alike, tackling every new challenge with infectious positive energy. Alexis is a remarkable asset to our schools and the entire Merrill area—we are so lucky to have her!
#WeAreMerrill #VandalPride
#WeAreMerrill #VandalPride
Huge shoutout to our February Super Vandal Student of the Month, LJ! Nominated by Ms. Jane for his incredible school spirit, LJ is a shining example of what it means to take pride in yourself and your community. He truly understands that attendance and grades are key, but he also proves every day that being a kind and supportive friend is just as important. We are so proud to have such a dedicated and compassionate leader in our halls. Congratulations, LJ—keep being a Super Vandal!
#WeAreMerrill #VandalPride
#WeAreMerrill #VandalPride
Our Girls' Competitive Cheer team is heading to Central Michigan University this Friday, 3/6, to compete for the State title! The action starts at 2:00 PM and we want to see those stands filled with Vandal pride! 🏆🔥
Please note the following schedule changes:
🔹 Early Release (K-12): 12:16 PM
🔹 Friday Preschool Care: Closes at 12:16 PM
🔹 School-Age After-Care: Not available
🔹 Infant & Toddler Care: Open until 6:00 PM
Let’s pack the stands at CMU! GO VANDALS!
Please note the following schedule changes:
🔹 Early Release (K-12): 12:16 PM
🔹 Friday Preschool Care: Closes at 12:16 PM
🔹 School-Age After-Care: Not available
🔹 Infant & Toddler Care: Open until 6:00 PM
Let’s pack the stands at CMU! GO VANDALS!
Big steps start with a little hand to hold!
We loved meeting so many new faces at our Preschool and Kindergarten Roundup! Watching our newest learners explore the halls for the first time reminds us why we do what we do. We are already looking forward to starting the 2026-2027 school year together and watching these little ones grow.
Missing out on the fun? It’s not too late! Registration is ongoing, and we still have a seat saved just for you. Come join our Vandal family!
#WeAreMerrill #VandalPride
We loved meeting so many new faces at our Preschool and Kindergarten Roundup! Watching our newest learners explore the halls for the first time reminds us why we do what we do. We are already looking forward to starting the 2026-2027 school year together and watching these little ones grow.
Missing out on the fun? It’s not too late! Registration is ongoing, and we still have a seat saved just for you. Come join our Vandal family!
#WeAreMerrill #VandalPride
Whether she’s leading the spirit from the sidelines as our middle school cheer coach or working behind the scenes, Beth Monk’s heart is always with our students. Her favorite part of working for Merrill Community Schools is the incredible ability to align her work with her family life—sharing the same schedule as her kids, coaching their sports, and staying directly involved in their education. Beth finds her energy in staying busy and feeling accomplished, whether she’s organizing community fundraisers or fiercely advocating to ensure every student has access to nutritious, healthy meals. She truly embodies the Merrill spirit by making a lasting impact on our community while keeping family at the center of it all.
#WeAreMerrill #VandalPride
#WeAreMerrill #VandalPride
The HS NYC Trip is fast approaching, but there is still time to register! Please reach out to Mrs. Jordan with questions!
Help Us Celebrate Public Schools Week!
It’s Public Schools Week, and there is no better time to celebrate the heart of the Merrill Community School District! From our classrooms and hallways to our buses and cafeterias, our staff members work with purpose and heart to help every student thrive.
Now, we want to hear from YOU—our families, students, and neighbors! Help us recognize the incredible individuals who make Merrill a wonderful place to learn and grow.
How to Participate:
1. Nominate a staff member (teacher, bus driver, custodian, counselor, etc.) in the comments below.
2. Tell us why they are amazing! Share a story, a quick "thank you," or a reason they’ve made a difference for your family.
The staff member with the most nominations will receive a special district-wide recognition later this week! Let’s fill this post with gratitude and show our staff how much they mean to the Merrill community.
#WeAreMerrill #VandalPride
It’s Public Schools Week, and there is no better time to celebrate the heart of the Merrill Community School District! From our classrooms and hallways to our buses and cafeterias, our staff members work with purpose and heart to help every student thrive.
Now, we want to hear from YOU—our families, students, and neighbors! Help us recognize the incredible individuals who make Merrill a wonderful place to learn and grow.
How to Participate:
1. Nominate a staff member (teacher, bus driver, custodian, counselor, etc.) in the comments below.
2. Tell us why they are amazing! Share a story, a quick "thank you," or a reason they’ve made a difference for your family.
The staff member with the most nominations will receive a special district-wide recognition later this week! Let’s fill this post with gratitude and show our staff how much they mean to the Merrill community.
#WeAreMerrill #VandalPride
