Merrill Area Public Schools

💙🩺 Happy School Nurse Day! | May 7 🩺💙 Today we celebrate and thank our incredible school nurses for the care, compassion, and calm they bring to our schools every day. Whether it's a scraped knee, a comforting word, or managing complex health needs, our nurses are always there to support students and staff. Thank you for being the heartbeat of student wellness and for all you do to keep MAPS healthy and thriving! #WeAreMAPS

On a recent episode of Bluejay Radio’s Community Scan, Director of Finance Mark Powell shared updates on several key topics: 🧾 State Budget & District Budget Development The Wisconsin Supreme Court recently upheld the $325 per-pupil revenue cap increase, but future state funding remains uncertain. With a Democratic governor and a Republican legislature, there could be extended debate—and final decisions may not come until fall. For now, MAPS is moving forward with a status quo approach to budgeting. 👩‍🏫 Hiring Update MAPS has had a strong hiring season, filling roles such as an instructional coach, Tech Ed teacher, Special Ed aide, two health aides, and clerical support at MADA (Merrill Adult Learning Academy). The District is hopeful for a stable staffing outlook with no major year-end resignations. 🚌 New Busing Contract for 2025–26 Wendorf is exiting the transportation business. Starting in 2025–26, Kobussen—a company based in the Fox Valley with service in Shawano and Marshfield—will take over. Transition planning is underway, and no major changes are expected in the first year. 📣 Additional Announcements Spring sports are in full swing Community Education classes launched this spring, and the team is planning the fall catalog—contact Angie Drew if you’re interested in teaching a class Special School Board meeting on April 28 to elect officers MHS Graduation is May 23 Last day of school is May 30 You can listen to the interview here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IDcfenYd8BYLT7NLrKK_oIrYeG36vPtM/view?usp=sharing #WeAreMAPS

🌟Custodial/Maintenance Employee of the Month🌟 🎉Congratulations to Al Galarza🎉 Al does a great job at PRMS. He is friendly and always willing to help out wherever he can. He is a hard worker and always has a good attitude. - Nate L. Thank you, Al, for your hard work and commitment!💙👏 #WeAreMAPS

🍎✨ National Teacher Appreciation Week | May 5–9 ✨🍎 This week, we celebrate and honor the heart of our schools—our amazing teachers! 💙 Your passion, creativity, and commitment to students make a difference every single day. To all of our educators across MAPS: thank you for inspiring minds, shaping futures, and leading with heart. We appreciate you today and every day! Drop a comment to shout out a teacher who’s made an impact in your life! 👇 #WeAreMAPS

🍎🥪 Happy School Lunch Hero Day! 🦸‍♀️🦸‍♂️ Today we celebrate the amazing school nutrition staff who fuel our students with healthy meals, warm smiles, and incredible care—every single day! From early mornings to busy lunch lines, your hard work does not go unnoticed. Thank you for being real-life heroes in our schools! 💙 #WeAreMAPS #SchoolLunchHeroDay

📚🍎 Happy National Principal’s Day! 🎉 Today, we recognize and thank the incredible leaders who guide, support, and inspire our students and staff every day. 💙 Join us in celebrating our amazing principals ! Thank you for the heart, leadership, and dedication you bring to your schools every single day! 🌟 #WeAreMAPS

It’s hard to believe we’re already in the final month of the school year! As we move through May, we want to thank our students, staff, families, and community for another incredible year of learning, growth, and partnership. 🎓 From end-of-year celebrations and graduations to final projects and field trips, this month is packed with opportunities to reflect, recognize, and wrap up the year strong. 📅 A reminder that the last day of school for students is early release on Friday, May 30th. Let’s finish these final weeks with positivity, purpose, and BlueJay pride! Thank you for being an essential part of our Merrill Area Public Schools community. We are already looking forward to the 2025–26 school year and all the possibilities ahead! 💙📘 #WeAreMAPS

🎉👏 Congratulations, Maya! 👏🎉 Please join us in recognizing Maya Paulus, our April Youth Optimist of the Month! Maya was selected for this honor because of her positive attitude, strong character, and commitment to making a difference in her school and community. 🌟 Way to go, Maya—we're proud of you! 💙 #WeAreMAPS

Last night, newly elected School Board members Paul Proulx, Jon Smith, and Jacqueline Gremler recited the oath of office for their 2025–2028 term. Please join us in thanking them for their commitment to serving the MAPS community! #WeAreMAPS

🎙️ Superintendent Shannon Murray on Bluejay Radio! Superintendent Shannon Murray recently joined Bluejay Radio's Community Scan to give a recap of the most recent Regular Board of Education Meeting, including recognition, budget, and upcoming events. Tune in here to stay informed and connected with what's happening at MAPS: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FD3q0p9wQFm1f8QRtBOzUC_V-3cE7MZD/view?usp=sharing https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FEJkDEjme3ZZHkolayRb85CGDd5aFXkH/view?usp=sharing #WeAreMAPS

Mrs. Hass’s 4th grade class was invited to IncredibleBank yesterday to participate in Teach Kids to Save Day. Students were given a tour of the bank and participated in activities designed to help them learn the value of saving money. Each student was given their own piggy bank to encourage them to start saving even at a young age. A special thanks to IncredibleBank - Merrill’s Manager, Susan Ryman, for the invitation and presentation. #WeAreMAPS

💼✨ Happy Administrative Professionals’ Day! ✨💼 Today we celebrate the amazing administrative professionals who keep our schools and offices running smoothly every single day. Your hard work, organization, kindness, and dedication does not go unnoticed—and we are so grateful for everything you do! Please join us in giving a big thank you to these behind-the-scenes heroes who make a big impact across MAPS! 💙 #WeAreMAPS

🎤 Great Speaker, Joe Beckman, Visits MAPS! Today, students in grades 6–12 had the opportunity to hear from Joe Beckman, co-founder of Till360, whose mission is to help schools reclaim human connection. Joe’s powerful message focused on three key themes: 💙 Love YOU 💪 Push Through 👀 Just Look Up Joe was selected by our very own Great Speaker Committee (Avery Clark, Aaron Collinsworth, Corbin Hanson, Brooklyn Harding, Orion Hill, Josie Geiss, and Maya Paulus)—a group of students dedicated to finding impactful voices to inspire their peers. Along with staff members Trisha Detert, Cassie Schultz, Kasie Holt, Trina Knospe, Shannon Murray and Tammy Woller, community members also serving on the Committee are Renea Frederick, Clyde Nelson, Mike Ravn, Lynne Reindl, Sarah Sturm and Jay Tlusty. We think the students picked a great speaker - as you can see from the photos, our students were fully engaged! A huge thank you to Joe for reminding us of the power of connection and positivity. 💫 #WeAreMAPS

📢 Board of Education Meeting Schedule Update At last night’s meeting, the Board of Education voted to move the May Regular Board Meeting to Wednesday, May 14, 2025 (previously scheduled for May 21). As a result, the Facilities, CTP, and Finance/HR Committee Meetings will now take place on Wednesday, May 7, 2025. 🗓️ You can view the updated meeting schedule on our website here: 🔗 https://merrillareasd.sites.thrillshare.com/page/board-of-education Please share to help spread the word. #WeAreMAPS

📅 Calendar Update: At last night’s Board of Education meeting, Friday, May 23, 2025, was added as a school day to make up for a weather-related closure earlier this year. This date was originally scheduled as a day off for Grades K–4, but now all grade levels will have school on May 23. You can view the updated calendar here: 🔗 https://www.mapsedu.org/documents/district/school-calendars/736081 Please share. #WeAreMAPS

Shoutout to the MAPS Fab Lab, specifically Max Black, for his incredible work in partnering with the Merrill Area Community Rides Charity to revitalize their logo and branding. This is a fantastic example of how student skills and innovation can make a real impact in our community! We’re proud to see our Fab Lab students applying their talents in meaningful ways. Great job, Max! #WeAreMAPS

Also recognized by the Board was the Merrill Girls' Bowling Team - Jayden Delinger, Avery Frisch, Marley Krueger, Isabella Scheffler, Bella Kottke and Peyton Smith - for being crowned District 2 State Champions once again! This incredible achievement marks back-to-back championships for the team. Way to go, ladies—your hard work and dedication continue to shine! #WeAreMAPS

Ninette Candler was recognized at the Board Meeting for her incredible work in organizing our Read Across America Week! She planned a well-attended breakfast that brought parents and loved ones together for engaging reading activities and games. Her efforts truly sparked excitement for reading across our school. We appreciate all the time and energy she put into making this event a success! #WeAreMAPS

At last night's Regular Board of Education meeting, the Board recognized MHS Senior, Molly White, who competed at the WACPC State Dance Competition in La Crosse on Saturday, February 1, 2025. She was announced as a qualifier at the regional event held the previous weekend at DC Everest to compete at State with her solo dance routine. Molly competed against 19 other soloists in Division 4 at State. The top 10 were announced as All State Champions. Molly earned a spot in the top 10! Molly has been dancing for 14 years and after high school, Molly plans to continue her academic and dance journey, studying psychology in college and pursuing her dreams of being on a college dance team. We have no doubt that she will continue to excel in everything she does. Congratulations, Molly! We are very proud of you! We wish you all the best in your continued success as you begin your next adventure in College in the fall! #WeAreMAPS

🖼️ Art Spotlight at Central Office! 🎨 A big thank you to Jamie Henrichs for creating vibrant bulletin boards at Central Office featuring elementary artwork from Washington Elementary School! These displays brighten our space and showcase the creativity and talent of our young artists. 💙 Be sure to check them out in person the next time you visit! #WeAreMAPS