Celebrate Thanksgiving with us on November 20 from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM. Enjoy a delicious meal prepared by our talented culinary arts program. Everyone is welcome—we look forward to sharing this special time with you!

If you received a letter inviting you to participate in Toys for All, please confirm your participation by doing one of the following:

• Return the form to the school office
• Mail the form back using the stamped envelope that was provided
• Call Louise Minisan at 715-476-7655

Mercer School teachers will work with instructional coaches from CESA 12 to focus on best practices for assessment. Assessments should be timely so that teachers know what students have learned before the end of the unit so that they can adjust their instruction to ensure that students who need support receive what they need and that those who understand the content are challenged so that they stretch and grow.

Fall Break: No School November 25-29

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.

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

Continue reading to see how Mercer provides opportunities to ensure students are college and career ready!

This week, the Board will review the annual District plan for Academic and Career Planning.

We are proud of our robust Academic and Career Planning (ACP) program. Mercer School supports students in career pathways that prepare them for post-secondary education and the workforce. Students can access dual credit opportunities through the Early College Credit Program and Start College Now, earning up to 18 college credits. Youth Apprenticeships are offered in diverse pathways such as STEM, Business, and Manufacturing. Staff participate in professional development through DPI and CESA 12, while families and community members are engaged through newsletters, meetings, and social media. Partnerships with local colleges and businesses enhance career readiness and workforce connections.

Read the document below to learn more about our E4E/ACP Plan.

All students graduating from Mercer School earn CPR certification, equipping them with essential life-saving skills. This certification underscores our commitment to fostering a culture of preparedness, safety, and responsibility among our students. By ensuring every graduate possesses this vital skill, we help build a stronger, more capable community where individuals are ready to respond in emergencies. It’s one of many ways Mercer School prepares students not just academically, but as proactive and compassionate members of society.

Teaching and Learning: Learners are engaged in high-quality personalized experiences that build identify and agency.

What does it mean to build identity and agency?

Identity refers to students understanding who they are, what they care about, and how they fit into the world around them. Agency means that students have the skills and confidence to make choices, set goals, and take action to shape their future. By focusing on identity and agency, we are helping students become active participants in their own learning and growth, empowering them to succeed both in school and beyond.

Read on for examples of how Mercer School provides high-quality personalized experiences that build identity and agency.

Our 5th and 6th graders have been deeply engaged in their interdisciplinary predator and prey project. To enhance their learning, naturalists from the North Lakeland Discovery Center will visit and bring along animal skulls, showcasing fascinating traits of predators and prey. This hands-on experience will give students a closer look at adaptations like sharp teeth or specialized jaw structures, helping them better understand the relationships between these animals in their ecosystems. It’s an exciting opportunity to connect classroom learning with real-world exploration!

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.

Read below for examples of how Mercer School is focused on developing a positive culture and community.

On Monday, November 11, Mercer School hosted its annual Veterans Day program to honor the service and sacrifices of our nation’s veterans. The day started with breakfast served by student council members before beginning the program at 10:00. District Administrator Renae McMurray welcomed attendees, emphasizing the importance of patriotism and community. Major James R. Hannemann, USMC (Ret.), served as the Master of Ceremonies, sharing his distinguished military journey.

The program featured student performances, patriotic essays, and heartfelt tributes. Highlights included a tribute to veterans by Betty Snyder, the 7-12 Grade Band’s American Spirit March, essays from Patriot’s Pen and Voice of Democracy winners, and a keynote address by Steven C. Finco. The event concluded with a solemn Taps performance by Levi and Mrs. Kirch and the retirement of colors by the VFW Post 9536 Color Guard.

Mercer School extends gratitude to all veterans and participants for making this day meaningful.

Betty Snyder presents her tribute to veterans

The Mercer Lions have announced the winners of this year’s Peace Poster competition, centered around the theme Peace Without Limits. This event highlights the creativity and thoughtful perspectives of our students, encouraging them to express their visions of peace through art. The competition fosters a sense of community, connecting our students with broader values of harmony and collaboration. We are proud of all participants for their hard work and grateful to the Mercer Lions for supporting this meaningful project in our school.

• First Place: Quentyn Messenger
• Second Place: Hazel Anderson
• Third Place: Alex Snow

1st Place Winner: Quentyn Messenger

2nd Place Winner: Hazel Anderson

3rd Place Winner: Alex Snow

The physical, social, and emotional environment for learning is designed and maintained to provide a safe, creative, engaging, and dynamic space for learners.

At Monday's Board meeting, members will review the school library plan developed by our librarian using the Future Ready Librarian Framework. This plan focuses on creating a positive and supportive environment for student learning. Key updates include versatile spaces for collaborative work, quiet study, and read-aloud activities, fostering engagement and creativity.

The library also integrates resources to support academic success and career readiness, aligning with district goals. This revitalized vision positions the library as a cornerstone for student growth, academic excellence, and community connection.

Mercer School is in the process of hiring a part-time custodian to support our dedicated buildings and grounds staff. As we undertake important projects funded by the recent voter-approved referendum, this new role will be essential in helping us balance these initiatives with the day-to-day needs of our school.

Our buildings and grounds staff work hard to ensure our facilities are safe, clean, and welcoming for students, staff, and the community. With the additional projects on the horizon—ranging from facility updates to improvements that enhance the learning environment—the need for extra support has become clear. This part-time custodian will help us complete these projects efficiently while keeping up with regular maintenance tasks and day-to-day operations.

We’re excited to strengthen our team and continue making Mercer School a top-notch place to learn and grow. Thank you to our community for supporting these developments, and stay tuned for more updates as we progress on these important improvements!

Nov 17 @ 11:00 am - 3:00 pm Boys Varsity Basketball Fundraiser at Beaver Lodge

Nov 18 @ 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM Reading Buddies

Nov 18 @ 5:00 PM Mercer School Board Meeting in the cafeteria

Nov 19 CPR Class for Seniors and Health Class--Mercer School Library

Nov 19 @ 5:45 PM HS Girls BBall Home vs. Chequamegon

Nov 20 Grade level meetings for 7-12 grade: All students will email home a grade report for the month of November.

Nov 20 @ 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM Community Thanksgiving Lunch hosted by Culinary Arts in the Mercer School Cafeteria

Nov 21 North Lakeland Discovery Center on site with 5th and 6th grade

Nov 21 @ 5:30 PM MS Boys Basketball @ Ironwood

Nov 21 5:45 PM HS Girls BBall Home vs. Northland Pines

Nov 22 Early Release 12:15pm/Teacher In-Service

Nov 25 - November 29 Fall Break See you on December 2!

Monday, November 18

Ravioli, Cole Slaw, Garlic Toast, Applesauce

Tuesday, November 19

Chicken Drummies, Stuffing, Peas, Cantaloupe

Wednesday, November 20

Quesadillas, Corn, Pineapple

Culinary Arts Community Thanksgiving Lunch

Thursday, November 21

Turkey, Mashed Potatoes/Gravy, Carrots, Cranberries, Peach Crisp

Friday, November 22

Bosco Stick, Green Beans, Pears

EARLY RELEASE @ 12:15

Click on the link below to download a sponsorship form.

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

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