We are thrilled to kick off the 2024-25 school year with a fantastic start! The energy and enthusiasm during the first week of school have set the stage for an incredible year ahead. Together, we are committed to ensuring that every student is known, nurtured, and challenged to reach their full potential.

We're excited to share that our first week included a day of perfect attendance for grades 7-12! This achievement reflects our dedication to fostering a strong sense of community where every student feels connected and recognizes the value of their education. Our staff is working tirelessly to create learning experiences that are not only relevant and engaging but also challenge our students to think critically and grow academically.

This year, our teachers are taking collaboration to the next level by developing interdisciplinary, hands-on projects. Through our partnership with the Institute for Personalized Learning, we are designing projects that captivate students' interests while enhancing their understanding of real-world applications. These innovative learning experiences are designed to inspire curiosity, foster creativity, and encourage collaboration among students.

We look forward to a year of growth, learning, and success for all of our students. Thank you for your continued support and partnership in making our school a place where every student thrives.

September 9-13

• Monday: Pizza, Veggie Tray, Fruit Salad
• Tuesday: Chicken Legs, California Veggies w/Cheese, Mandarin Oranges
• Wednesday: Shepherd Pie, Mixed Veggies, Mixed Fruit
• Thursday: Tomato Soup, Grilled Cheese, Peaches
• Friday: Chicken Nuggets, Mac & Cheese, Pears

Sep 9 @ 5:00 PM: MS Girls Basketball @ Hurley

Sep 10 @ 6:00 PM: JV and Varsity Volleyball @ Solon Springs-Varsity plays first

Sep 12 - Sep 14 Varsity Volleyball @ Wisconsin Dells

Sep 12 @ 5:45 PM: MS Girls Basketball v. Hurley

Sep 16 @ 5:45 PM: MS Girls Basketball v. Ironwood

To cover the high cost of driver's education, the State of Wisconsin Department of Transportation has a streamlined grant program for teens. The following information is from the DOT grant website:

Eligible students

• Wisconsin resident
• 14-19 years of age
• Eligible to receive free or reduced lunch
• Student has not previously held a driver's license

Driving Instruction

• Grant covers 30 hours of classroom, 6 hours of observation and 6 hours of behind the wheel
• Enroll in certified public school, CESA program, Tribal or private school, or DMV-licensed driver training school (note: provider must be registered with Wisconsin DMV)
• Grant funds issued to a student expire after 18 months of no use and student may reapply

Use the link below to apply for the grant.

This year, we are focused on increased student attendance. Regular attendance is vital to student success and we are committed to ensuring all students achieve their goals. Note that state law limits the number of parent-excused absences (section 3 below) to 10 per school year. Additional absences within that category are unexcused.

Excused Absences

As required under State law, a student shall be excused from school for the following reasons:

1. Physical or Mental Condition

   The student is temporarily not in a proper physical or mental condition to attend a school program. Absences for this reason may be excused by oral or written notification to the attendance officer by the adult student or minor student's parent. The attendance officer in appropriate circumstances may require a written statement from a health care provider describing the condition and excusing the student for a period not the exceed thirty (30) days.

2. Obtaining Religious Instruction

   To enable the student to obtain religious instruction outside the school during the required school period (see Policy 5223 - Absences for Religious Instruction).

3. Parent-Excused Pre-Planned Absence
   The student has been excused in writing by their parent before the absence for any reason. A student may not be excused for more than ten (10) days per school year under this paragraph and must complete any coursework missed during the absence. Examples of reasons for being absent that should be counted under this paragraph include, but are not limited to, the following:

   1. professional and other necessary appointments (e.g., medical, dental, and legal) that cannot be scheduled outside of the school day

   2. to attend the funeral of a relative

   3. legal proceedings that require the student's presence

   4. college visits

   5. job fairs

   6. vacations

4. Religious Holiday

   For observance of a religious holiday consistent with the student's creed or belief.

5. Suspension or Expulsion

   The student has been suspended or expelled.

6. Program or Curriculum Modification

   The Board has excused the student from regular school attendance to participate in a program or curriculum modification leading to high school graduation or a high school equivalency diploma as provided by State law.

7. High School Equivalency – Secured Facilities

   The Board has excused a student from regular school attendance to participate in a program leading to a high school equivalency diploma in a secured correctional facility, a secured child caring institution, a secure detention facility, or a juvenile portion of a county jail, and the student and the student's parent(s) agree that the student will continue to participate in such a program.

8. Child at Risk

   The student is a "child at risk" as defined under State law and is participating in a program at a technical college on either a part-time or full-time basis leading to high school graduation, as provided under State law.

9. Election Day Official
   A high school student, including students enrolled in private schools and students enrolled in home-based private education, age sixteen (16) or seventeen (17) is permitted to be excused to serve as an election official provided that the following criteria are met: 1) the student has the permission of their parent to serve as an election official on election day; 2) the student has signed up and the municipal clerk has informed the principal that the student has been assigned to serve in this capacity; and 3) the student has at least a 3.0 grade point average or equivalent, or has met alternative criteria established by Board, if any. The principal shall promptly notify the municipal clerk or the board of election commissioners of the municipality that appointed the child as an election official if the child no longer has at least a 3.0 grade point average or the equivalent, or no longer meets the established alternative requirements. A student's absence to serve as an election official under this policy shall be treated as an excused absence. Where possible students are encouraged to provide advance notice as much as possible. Students are responsible for completing any missed school work and responsible for making appropriate arrangements to do so.

10. Virtual Access
    The student is unable to access virtual instruction programming due to a temporary disruption in the student's access to necessary technological systems (i.e. internet outage, computer failure, software malfunction, etc.) as communicated by the student's parent.

A student may be excused from school, as determined by the School Attendance Officer, or the School Attendance Officer's designee, for the following reasons:

1. Quarantine

   Quarantine of the student's home by a public health officer.

2. Illness of an Immediate Family Member

   The illness of an immediate family member.

3. Emergency

   An emergency that requires the student to be absent because of familial responsibilities or other appropriate reasons.

Unexcused Absences

Unexcused absences are absences from school for part or all of one (1) or more days from school without an acceptable excuse. Unexcused absences demonstrate a deliberate disregard for the educational program and are considered a serious matter. The District Administrator shall develop administrative guidelines to address unexcused absences.

This year, we are sending out notifications to update parents/guardians on their child(ren)'s attendance so that we can partner to support all students.

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