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
For over 35 years, BP Sports has been a dedicated supporter of the Merrill community through their custom embroidery and printing services. Their partnership with the district has grown deeply in recent years, reaching every corner of our schools—from sports and music boosters to robotics and LEGO teams. Whether they are providing discounted group pricing, sponsoring events, or opening their building to host local fundraisers, BP Sports consistently goes above and beyond to ensure our students have what they need to succeed.
The team at BP Sports believes that a strong school-community bond is the heartbeat of Merrill. By prioritizing personal connections and local support, they’ve proven that when businesses and schools work together, the whole community thrives. We are so grateful for their long-standing commitment to our Vandals!
#WeAreMerrill #VandalPride
The team at BP Sports believes that a strong school-community bond is the heartbeat of Merrill. By prioritizing personal connections and local support, they’ve proven that when businesses and schools work together, the whole community thrives. We are so grateful for their long-standing commitment to our Vandals!
#WeAreMerrill #VandalPride
Tune In: Education Matters!
We are so proud to announce that our incredible Preschool and Kindergarten teams are heading to the big screen!
Catch Candice Gagne, Kat Waterman, and Melissa McNalley Monday morning on WNEM TV5. They’ll be featured on the Education Matters segment to share what makes our Preschool and Kindergarten programs so special.
🗓️ When to Watch:
Day: Monday Morning
Time: 9:00 AM
Channel: WNEM TV5
They will be discussing our fantastic curriculum, our classroom community, and—most importantly—everything you need to know about our upcoming registration events!
Don’t miss out on hearing from the experts who help our youngest learners thrive.
#WeAreMerrill #VandalPride
We are so proud to announce that our incredible Preschool and Kindergarten teams are heading to the big screen!
Catch Candice Gagne, Kat Waterman, and Melissa McNalley Monday morning on WNEM TV5. They’ll be featured on the Education Matters segment to share what makes our Preschool and Kindergarten programs so special.
🗓️ When to Watch:
Day: Monday Morning
Time: 9:00 AM
Channel: WNEM TV5
They will be discussing our fantastic curriculum, our classroom community, and—most importantly—everything you need to know about our upcoming registration events!
Don’t miss out on hearing from the experts who help our youngest learners thrive.
#WeAreMerrill #VandalPride
Our Career and Technical Education Month billboards are officially up, and we’re excited to celebrate Davie Sweet, an 11th-grade student in the Cosmetology program at the Saginaw Career Complex. These billboards highlight the real students behind CTE—students who are gaining hands-on experience, earning credentials, and preparing for their future while still in high school.
Go check it out on M-46, East of Meridian Rd and help us celebrate the impact of CTE across Saginaw County.
#WeAreMerrill #VandalPride #SaginawCountyCTE #SCC #ExperienceYourFuture
Go check it out on M-46, East of Meridian Rd and help us celebrate the impact of CTE across Saginaw County.
#WeAreMerrill #VandalPride #SaginawCountyCTE #SCC #ExperienceYourFuture
We’re Hiring: Classroom Aide!
We are looking for a Highly Qualified Classroom Aide to support our Middle & High School students!
Full job description and application details here: https://www.merrillschools.org/page/employment
Know someone who’d be a great fit? Tag them below!
#WeAreMerrill #VandalPride
We are looking for a Highly Qualified Classroom Aide to support our Middle & High School students!
Full job description and application details here: https://www.merrillschools.org/page/employment
Know someone who’d be a great fit? Tag them below!
#WeAreMerrill #VandalPride
Big day of growth for our team! We’re spending our PD day with the CAN Council, diving deep into how both positive and challenging life experiences shape a child’s journey. We also wrapped up an insightful session on Autism training to ensure every child we serve feels supported and understood.
#WeAreMerrill #VandalPride
Don’t forget that Monday, February 16th is a scheduled PD Day. While our students get a break, our educators will be spending the day collaborating and growing as learners themselves.
We look forward to seeing everyone refreshed and ready to learn on Tuesday morning!
Alumni Spotlight: Chloe Woods
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
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
Did you know that Merrill Community Schools is the proud host of the Knights of Columbus Regional Spelling Bee?
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
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
Spring Count Day is Tomorrow!
NHS Students Support Special Olympians at Hartley!
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!
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!
