For Mercer School senior Rowan, a chance encounter in the shop class her freshman year sparked a passion that has shaped her future. On the last day of class, her instructor, D’kota Engler, asked, “Hey, have you ever welded before? Give it a try.” That simple challenge led to a journey of skill-building, confidence, and career readiness.

By her sophomore year, Rowan was excelling in welding, picking up techniques quickly. Living with Tourette’s syndrome, she found that while some careers, like tattoo artistry or hairdressing, weren’t ideal due to muscle control challenges, welding provided a creative outlet where she could thrive. “I still got to be creative in a way that wasn’t destructive if I ticked,” she explained. With D’kota Engler's encouragement, she realized just a month later that welding could be more than a high school class—it could be her career.

Through Mercer’s welding program, Rowan earned dual-credit (courses that earn both high school and college credit) that gave her a head start at Nicolet College. With guidance from school counselor Amanda Kopka, she made the strategic decision to stay in high school while completing her credits at Nicolet, allowing her to save thousands of dollars in tuition.

When she finishes her program at Nicolet, Rowan will graduate with two technical diplomas:

• Welding Technical Diploma
• Maintenance and Fabrication Technical Diploma

Unlike certifications, which cover individual skills, a technical diploma means Rowan will be fully trained in all aspects of welding, including working with various metals like stainless steel and aluminum, as well as techniques like TIG, MIG, stick, and flux core welding.

After graduation, Rowan plans to enter the workforce, looking for welding opportunities in the Waukesha area. With strong job prospects and proximity to family and friends, she sees it as the perfect place to launch her career. She’s also already made a smart financial move, saving $10,000 and purchasing her own welding equipment—a long-term investment that will serve her well in the field.

Rowan hopes more young women consider careers in the trades. “It’s important from an early age to involve girls in trades and show them that it’s a possible career,” she said. “If you set your mind to it and believe you can do it, anyone—especially women—should take that leap.” At Nicolet, she’s found strong support from instructors who believe that women often make excellent welders due to their patience and attention to detail. She also emphasizes the importance of early exposure to hands-on skills, noting that students in grades 5-8 at Mercer get the opportunity to explore the building trades. “It’s a great life skill, even if you don’t pursue it as a career,” she said. “Everyone should have basic knowledge in things like cooking, car repair, and welding. Teaching kids when they’re young makes it fun and less intimidating.”

With her skills, training, and determination, Rowan is well on her way to a successful welding career. Her journey is a testament to the power of hands-on learning, strong mentorship, and perseverance. Mercer School celebrates her success and looks forward to seeing where her path leads next!

Experiences prepare students to identify, create, and seize opportunities that will help them succeed and thrive in the career of their choice.

For children and teens, attending school isn’t just about getting an education. It’s about developing their whole selves—emotionally, socially, and personally.

Attending school regularly and in person gives students the ability to follow daily routines, as well as connect with friends, peers, teachers, and others outside their family circle. They’re able to engage and interact, to use their brains and try new things. They can be part of a team. They have a purpose.

Help your child be their best self. Promote good attendance.

Credit: Adapted from The Ad Council

A culture of partnership, inclusivity and positive relationships, both inside and outside the school, supports students, staff, and the community. Stakeholders actively participate to achieve a shared vision of success.

Feb 17 President's Day/No School

Feb 18 2-Hour Late Start--School starts at 10:00; buses will run morning route 2 hours late

Feb 18 5:45 PM Basketball: Girls Varsity @ HOME vs Drummond

Feb 18 7:15 PM Basketball: Boys Varsity @ HOME vs Drummond

Feb 19 Senior Class Pizza Day: Order at Papa Murphy's and the Senior Class will receive a portion of the profits

Feb 19 8:30 AM Wellness Committee Meeting: Open to the Public

Feb 19 12:15 PM Early Release

Feb 19 3:00-6:00 PM Parent/Teacher Conferences

Feb 20 5:45 PM JV Boys Basketball @ Lakeland Union

Feb 20 7:15 PM Basketball: Varsity Girls@ Bayfield

Feb 21 11:30 AM DOVE-Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month/Lunch Table 9-12th grades

Feb 21 4:30 PM MS Girls Volleyball @ Home vs. Wakefield

Feb 21 5:45 PM Basketball: Varsity Girls @ Mellen

Feb 21 7:15 PM Basketball: Varsity Boys @ Mellen

Feb 24 10:00 AM Reading Buddies

Feb 24 5:00 PM School Board Meeting/in cafeteria

Feb 25 7:00 PM Girls Varsity Basketball @ Winter (WIAA Tournament Game)

#ThePowerofSmall

Monday, Feb 17

NO SCHOOL

Tuesday, Feb 18

Chicken Alfredo w/ Noodles, Mixed Veggies, Peach Crisp

Wednesday, Feb 19

Bosco Stick, Peas, Pears

EARLY RELEASE Dismissal 12:15 Conferences 3-6pm

Thursday, Feb 20

Turkey Slice, Mashed Potatoes w/ Gravy, Carrots, Mixed Fruit

Friday, Feb 21

Chicken Nachos, Corn, Mexican Rice, Pineapple

Mercer School understands the importance of providing students with healthy meals to support their learning and overall well-being. That’s why we proudly offer free breakfast and lunch to all students.

Experiences are designed to provide a range of opportunities and supports aligned with interests, aspirations, needs and overall well-being

In the Strategic Plan, Mercer School has identified six strategic priorities:

• Teaching and Learning
• Environment for Learning
• Developing the Whole Child
• Finance and Operations
• Culture and Community
• College and Career Readiness

Each week, our newsletter highlights stories, projects, and achievements that reflect these six strategic priorities, showcasing the impactful work of our students, staff, and community. By focusing our efforts on these critical areas, we are confident that Mercer School can create the best possible learning environment and opportunities, paving the way for our students' success today and in the future.

At Mercer School, we are committed to fostering a culture where partnerships, belonging, and positive relationships thrive. That’s why we are proud to highlight "Connections: Linking Community and Curriculum", a vital initiative aligned with our strategic priority of Culture and Community.

The goal of this initiative is simple yet powerful: to bring together students, staff, families, and community members to create a supportive and welcoming environment. By encouraging active participation from all stakeholders, we are working to achieve a shared vision of success that benefits everyone.

Through "Connections," we aim to:

• Build strong partnerships with community organizations, businesses, and families.
• Foster positive relationships within the school and beyond.
• Ensure that all voices are heard and included in decision-making processes.
• Create opportunities where community expertise enriches classroom learning and vice versa.

This initiative is not just about collaboration—it’s about creating a culture where every student, staff member, and community partner feels valued and empowered to contribute to our shared vision. Together, we can build a brighter future by linking what we do in school with the resources and strengths of our community.

We invite you to join us on this journey. Whether by volunteering, sharing your expertise, or attending school events, your involvement makes a difference. Let’s work together to strengthen our connections and create lasting opportunities for our students and community!

The examples below highlight the many ways our school is building connections through partnerships and positive relationships. These efforts are part of our ongoing commitment to creating a supportive culture that benefits students, staff, and the broader community.

This week, we highlight the following Connections:

• Iron County Human Services: Project Prom (February 13)
• Mercer Lions and Leos Reading Buddies (February 24)
• Pastry Chef Buffy Miller-Jackson from Nicolet Technical College demos appetizers for Culinary Arts (February 11)

Students had the opportunity to watch a live culinary demonstration by Pastry Chef Buffy Miller-Jackson from Nicolet Technical College. Chef Miller-Jackson showcased the art of making jam-filled pastries and savory cheese twists, sharing expert techniques and insights along the way.

In addition to learning about pastry-making, students also gained valuable knowledge about the culinary field and Chef Miller-Jackson’s career path. It was an inspiring and informative experience for all!

On February 13, Mercedes Anderson and Lauren Vinopal from Iron County Human Services provided Mercer high school students with a fantastic opportunity to find the perfect prom attire—completely free of charge. A large selection of formal wear, including dresses, suits, slacks, shoes, and accessories, was available for students to browse and select from. Students had a great time picking out their ensembles. This event helped ensure that students could find stylish attire for their special night.

A culture of partnership, inclusivity and positive relationships, both inside and outside the school, supports students, staff, and the community. Stakeholders actively participate to achieve a shared vision of success.

A culture of partnership, inclusivity and positive relationships, both inside and outside the school, supports students, staff, and the community. Stakeholders actively participate to achieve a shared vision of success.

Are you looking for a way to support our students and school athletic programs? The Booster Club is a vital part of enhancing student athletics, and we need your help to make it stronger than ever!

Meetings are scheduled on the following dates in the Mercer School library:

Monday, April 7, 2025 @ 6:30

Monday, June 2, 2025 @ 6:30

Monday, August 4, 2025 @ 6:30

Monday, October 6, 2025 @ 6:30

Athletic Booster Club officers were elected at the reorganization meeting on February 5:

President: Christina Pemble

Vice-President: Alaina Syverson

Secretary: Jessica Milashus

Treasurer: Deanna Pierpont

We invite all parents, staff, and community members to join the Athletic Booster Club. Together, we can ensure our students have the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.

A culture of partnership, inclusivity and positive relationships, both inside and outside the school, supports students, staff, and the community. Stakeholders actively participate to achieve a shared vision of success.

Click on the link below to download a sponsorship form.

Stay up to date with the latest news and announcements by using the Mercer School App. You can use the QR code below to download the app:

Email: rmcmurray@mercertigers.org
Website: https://www.mercer.k12.wi.us/
Location: 2690 Margaret Street, Mercer, WI, USA
Phone: 715-388-8274

Mercer Memo is edited using ChatGPT