Staff Spotlight: Ashlee Jensen

Give a big shoutout to Ashlee, our Middle/High School Cook! A proud Merrill local, Ashlee joined our district during the 2024–2025 school year and quickly became a cherished member of our team.

For Ashlee, the best part of every day is seeing her "kiddos" come through the lunch line. Off the clock, she loves spending time outdoors—especially when it involves hanging out with her pet goat, Patch!

Her key piece of advice for our students this year? "Don't rush time."

Thank you, Ashlee, for your hard work, warm smile, and constant dedication to our school community!
about 16 hours ago, Jamie Hooten
Ashlee Jensen - Staff Spotlight
We are hiring!

Merrill Elementary is looking for a Specialized Classroom Aide and a Recess Aide. Head over to https://www.merrillschools.org/page/employment to check out the details and scope out all of our open positions.

#WeAreMerrill #VandalPride
1 day ago, Jamie Hooten
now hiring open positions
Mark your calendar for Nov 3! Merrill Community Schools voters will consider a non-homestead operating millage renewal.

Key facts:
✅ NOT a new tax (0 tax-rate increase)
✅ Primary homes are EXEMPT
✅ Accounts for ~10% of our annual operating budget

Learn more: merrillschools.org/o/mcsd/page/2026-non-homestead-operating-millage-renewal

#WeAreMerrill #VandalPride
1 day ago, Jamie Hooten
Merrill Nonhomestead Flyer
Drive Our Students to Success! Now Hiring School Bus Drivers.
Join our team and make a daily difference for local students. See below for full application details!

#WeAreMerrill #VandalPride
9 days ago, Jamie Hooten
Now Hiring Bus Driver
We are searching for dedicated Middle School Boys Basketball Coaches for the upcoming season, with openings for both our 7th-grade and 8th-grade teams. Please review the job details below for more information and application instructions.

#WeAreMerrill #VandalPride
10 days ago, Jamie Hooten
Middle School Boys Basketball Coach
Did you know? All Merrill Community Schools juniors and seniors have access to Career and Technical Education, also known as CTE, which combines classroom instruction with hands-on, real-world learning.

Merrill students get to attend @sccstandouts, the CTE center that serves high schoolers from every Saginaw County public school district and all academies.

Students who attend SCC have many options that help to set them up for their future! They can:
-Prepare to enter the workforce directly after high school.
-Pursue higher education with valuable skills, credentials, and tuition-saving college credits.

On Tuesday, November 3, voters in Saginaw ISD will consider the Saginaw Intermediate School District Area Career and Technical Education Millage Renewal and Restoration Proposal.

If passed, this renewal and restoration will mean Saginaw ISD students in every district can continue accessing CTE classes and programs at current levels.

Learn more at saginawcountycte.com

#SaginawISDCTE #CTEMillage #WeAreMerrill #VandalPride
10 days ago, Jamie Hooten
Saginaw ISD CTE MILLAGE RENEWAL
Count Day is tomorrow, Wednesday, October 7!

#WeAreMerrill #VandalPride
10 days ago, Jamie Hooten
Tomorrow is fall count day
Our preschoolers had an extra-special visit from our local firehouse crew! The children had the opportunity to climb inside the fire truck, explore all the ins and outs, and get a closer look at what it’s like to be a firefighter.

It was such an exciting hands-on experience filled with curiosity, big smiles, and lots of learning! We are so grateful to our local firefighters for taking the time to visit our school, share their knowledge, and give our little learners a memorable glimpse into the important work they do in our community.

Thank you for keeping our community safe and for making learning so much fun!
11 days ago, Sarah Behnke
fire truck
Brantley
Allison
Hadleigh
Liam
Ozzy
Fire Trucks
Noelle
Oliver
Happy National Coaches Day! Today we celebrate the dedication and impact of our district’s athletic leaders. From the field to the classroom, our coaches help shape the character, discipline, and future of our students. Thank you for all that you do for our school community!

#WeAreMerrill #VandalPride
11 days ago, Jamie Hooten
National Coaches Day
Join us tomorrow morning for Sips with the Supt. at Mo Coco's (8:00 AM – 9:30 AM)!

Come connect, chat, and enjoy a complimentary small cup of coffee on us. We look forward to seeing you there!

#WeAreMerrill #VandalPride
11 days ago, Jamie Hooten
Sips with the Supt.

Homecoming Early Release Reminder: Friday, October 2nd
Please remember that we have an early release this Friday, October 2nd, for Homecoming festivities.

Dismissal Times:
-Middle / High School: 1:20 PM
-Elementary: 1:30 PM
-Infant, Toddler & Extended Care: 4:00PM


Homecoming Schedule:
-Parade: 5:00 PM
-Varsity Football Game: 7:00 PM

We hope to see you there to celebrate with us!

#WeAreMerrill #VandalPride

16 days ago, Jamie Hooten
Home coming early release scheudle
Let’s give a huge round of applause to our September Super Vandals!

🏆 Duane Chrysler
Nominated by a colleague for being supportive, friendly, and always ready to lend a helping hand. From driving key projects to making Merrill Schools a better place every day, Duane truly embodies what it means to be a Super Vandal!

🏆 Westen
Nominated for his bravery, kindness, and for being a wonderful friend to everyone around him. Westen shows us all what taking pride in our school community looks like!

Thank you both for making our district so special! Drop a comment below to congratulate Duane and Westen!

#WeAreMerrill #SuperVandal


16 days ago, Jamie Hooten
Super Vandal Westen
Super Vandal Duane
Did you catch this postcard in your mail this week?

We're sharing key information about the Non-Homestead Operating Millage Renewal coming up on the November 3 ballot!

✨Same Rate. Same Tax. Continued Support for Merrill Students.

This renewal maintains critical funding for essential classroom learning, school safety enhancements, and student extracurriculars without increasing tax rates on primary home residences.

Check out the full details online by scanning the QR code or visiting our website:
merrillschools.org/o/mcsd/page/2026-non-homestead-operating-millage-renewal

#WeAreMerrill #VandalPride
17 days ago, Jamie Hooten
Flyer
An Educational Day of Rural Living!

Our elementary students were able to learn about rural life and the important role agriculture plays in our community. Students had the opportunity to explore old gas tractors, learn how tractors have changed over the years, and even get some hands-on experience behind the wheel.

From historic machinery to hands-on learning, it was a fun day filled with new experiences, big smiles, and plenty of memories!

A special thank-you to everyone who helped make this educational experience possible and shared their time, knowledge, and love of agriculture with our students. We are grateful for the opportunity to take learning outside the classroom!
21 days ago, Sarah Behnke
old gas tractor
oldgastractor
oldgastractor3
oldgastractor
oldgastractor
Our first graders had a great time taking their learning outside as they explored shadows! They observed their own shadows, traced them with chalk, and discovered how shadows change depending on the position of the sun.

What a fun way to turn science into an outdoor adventure! We love seeing our students learn, explore, and make discoveries together!
22 days ago, Sarah Behnke
shadows
students with shadows
Parents of our Elementary Students, Please Be Advised
23 days ago, Sarah Behnke
pickuptime
Parents of our Elementary Students, Please Be Advised
23 days ago, Sarah Behnke
kiss&go

📣 Calling All Little Cheerleaders! 📣
Join the Merrill Varsity Cheerleaders for our Little Cheerleader Clinic!

-Ages: Preschool – 5th Grade (open to non-Merrill students too!)
-Cost: $45 (includes T-shirt & cheer bow)
-Deadline: Register by September 18th Participants will perform at the Homecoming Parade and a JV Football Game!

Scan the QR code to register!

24 days ago, Jamie Hooten
Calling all little cheerleaders flyer
Merrill Community Child Development Center:

Morning minds at work! Our classrooms always kick off the day with hands-on table activities that challenge and engage young minds.

Today, our friends practiced color recognition, sorting, and fine motor skills using these bright stacking cups and blocks. Working together at the table also gives our children a wonderful opportunity to practice sharing, turn-taking, and building friendships. Along with outdoor play, burning off that energy where our kids use their big imagination and explore the natural world around them.


about 1 month ago, Sarah Behnke
tot playing on horse
tots playing
tot ladder
tots at the table
tot laying
tots looking at toad
tot with bandana
tot on bike
tots making playdoh
August Super Vandal: Mindee

Mindee brings a kind soul, a big heart, and a fantastic work ethic to our district every day! Always dependable, Mindee is consistently ready to lend a helping hand wherever she is needed—working wonderfully with children of all ages, from our littlest ones in daycare to students in extended care and classrooms. She is a vital part of our team who keeps our days running smoothly and makes everyone around her feel cared for. Thank you, Mindee, for all you do!

#WeAreMerrill #VandalPride
about 1 month ago, Jamie Hooten
Staff Super Vandal Mindee August