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!

#WeAreMerrill #VandalPride

2 months ago, Jamie Hooten
Staff Spotlight Melissa McNalley

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

3 months ago, Jamie Hooten
We are hiring post
It’s National School Counseling Week! Today and every day, we celebrate our School Counselors for being the heart of our campus.

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
3 months ago, Jamie Hooten
National School Counseling Week Flyer - orange background with 5 pictures of the counseling staff
Congratulations to our January Student Super Vandal!

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
3 months ago, Jamie Hooten
Lillie Miller Super Vandal
We are incredibly proud to announce Mrs. Badder as our Staff Super Vandal for January!

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
3 months ago, Jamie Hooten
Kayla Badder
We are thrilled to highlight a familiar face from the Class of 1989, Michele Lednicky! After a 30-year Merrill teaching career inspired by the legendary Mr. Krause, she just couldn't stay away and is already back in the halls as a daily substitute. Michele fondly remembers the magic of visiting Hartley in 5th grade and loved getting to relive that experience 17 times over with her own 6th-grade students! Now, she’s enjoying the "something different" that every day of subbing brings while encouraging current students to trade their insecurities for confidence. We’re so lucky to have Michele's heart and history still roaming our hallways! #WeAreMerrill #VandalPride
3 months ago, Jamie Hooten
Black, orange, grey background with the words merrill community schools alumni spotlight michele lednicky class of 1989 and a picture of a female in a red sweater

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

3 months ago, Jamie Hooten
Mr. Wiley and 2 students
Mr. Wiley
Attention future Vandals! Join us for the 2026-2027 Preschool & Kindergarten Roundup. This is a great time for students to meet their teachers, visit classrooms, and tour the school. We hope to see you there!

#WeAreMerrill #VandalPride
3 months ago, Jamie Hooten
Orange Background with Merrill kindergarteners
This week, we are shining a light on Kat Waterman, who has been a cornerstone of our school community for 22 amazing years! An SVSU graduate with a heart for teaching, Kat brings a legendary upbeat energy to our Kindergarten classrooms every single day. Outside of work she enjoy spending time with her fiance, Darren, and her children and grandchildren. Kat says her favorite thing about Merrill is the great staff, and after over two decades together, we can truly say the feeling is mutual. Thank you, Kat, for 22 years of dedication!

#WeAreMerrill #VandalPride
3 months ago, Jamie Hooten
Black and orange background with a picture of a women with blonde curly hair in a black polo. Words say, staff spotlight Kat Waterman kindergarten teacher merrill community schools.
Due to dangerous wind chills, Merrill Community Schools will be closed tomorrow, Friday, 1/23/26. We wish all our families a safe and warm weekend ahead.
3 months ago, Jamie Hooten
Snowy background with orange words that say cold weather day 1/23/2026 Friday Merrill Community Schools
Friendly Reminder: There will be no classes for students this Monday, January 19.

We look forward to welcoming our students back on Tuesday, January 20.

#WeAreMerrill #VandalPride
3 months ago, Jamie Hooten
image of chairs and tables in a classroom with a orange diamond that says friendly reminder no school, monday january 19th
Did you know that missing just two days a month can put a student behind? Merrill Staff is committed to supporting our families in reaching our attendance goal of 90% of students missing fewer than 10 days of school. This week, Mrs. Stevens, Mrs. Haltom, Mrs. Gehringer, and Mr. Seno attended two days of professional development to learn more ways to support our students struggling with regular attendance.

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
3 months ago, Allison Jordan
Mrs. Gehringer, Mr. Seno, Mrs. Haltom and Mrs. Stevens at the ISD
Mr.s Gehringer
Mrs. Stevens and Mrs. Haltom
It’s School Board Recognition Month! Behind every great student, teacher, and school is a team of dedicated leaders working to make it all possible.

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
3 months ago, Jamie Hooten
Black background with 7 pictures of our school board members, with their names in oragne writting.
Lady Vandals are heading to Ashley tonight. The J.V. team will play Ithaca, while the Varsity team will compete against Mt. Morris.

#WeAreMerrill #VandalPride
3 months ago, Alexis Dill
Girls Basketball Game
Our wrestling team will be heading to Breckenridge at 6:00 p.m. Come out and cheer them on!

#WeAreMerrill #VandalPride
3 months ago, Alexis Dill
Wrestling
My name is Maddy DeSmyter, and I will be coaching the 5th and 6th-grade girls' travel basketball team this season. I am reaching out to see if any 5th or 6th-grade girls are interested in playing basketball this winter. If your daughter is interested or you would like additional information, please feel free to contact me by email at 26desmyter@merrillschools.org. We are hoping to begin practices as early as this week, so a response at your earliest convenience would be greatly appreciated.
3 months ago, Alexis Dill
5th & 6th Travel Basketball
Alivia DeLong is January's Student Artist Spotlight.

She is a junior who participates in softball, volleyball, and the National Honor Society (NHS). Throughout her years in school, Alivia has taken several art classes and enjoys creating art outside of the classroom. Her favorite project to date is her "Animal Eye" piece. Currently, she is enrolled in classes at Delta College and plans to continue her education there to pursue a career in medicine.

#WeAreMerrill #VandalPride
3 months ago, Alexis Dill
Artist Spotlight

We are so proud to announce our December Super Vandals!

Charlotte McInally-Nauta truly embodies what it means to be a Vandal, both inside and outside of the classroom. She is a dedicated hard worker and a wonderful helper to her teachers and peers. Most importantly, Charlotte is known for her constant kindness and for always looking out for others. Congratulations on being a shining example for our school!

Mr. Beougher was nominated by a parent who shared that their son absolutely loves his class. Mr. Beougher is a fantastic teacher because he’s always willing to jump in and help whenever a student needs it. It is wonderful to hear how much of a positive impact he is making every day. Thank you, Mr. Beougher, for everything you do for our kids!

3 months ago, Jamie Hooten
Mr. Beougher
CHarlotte McInally-Nauta
#WeAreMerrill #VandalPride
3 months ago, Alexis Dill
Boys Basketball Game
Attention middle school families: There will be a three-point contest on the first day back from break. Please see the flyer for more information.

#WeAreMerrill #VandalPride
4 months ago, Alexis Dill
Middle School 3 point Contest