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

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, on the morning of Tuesday, December 10, community organizations and individuals offering scholarships are invited to present information to Mercer High School students. Our 2024 graduates were awarded an impressive total of $66,950 in scholarships. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the generous community members who continue to support these talented young adults.

On Tuesday, December 3, senior Eiley Schoeneman made her commitment to continue her volleyball career at Carthage College next fall official. The signing ceremony took place in the Mercer School gym and was attended by Eiley’s proud parents, her Mercer volleyball teammates, coaches, the athletic director, and school administrator, all gathered to celebrate this exciting achievement.

Eiley has been an outstanding athlete at Mercer, demonstrating dedication, hard work, and leadership both on and off the court. Her exceptional skills and commitment to the sport have earned her this incredible opportunity to play volleyball at the collegiate level. The signing ceremony served as an inspiring moment for her fellow students and teammates. It was also a celebration of the strong athletic programs at Mercer School and the incredible opportunities available to students who pursue their passions.

Eiley’s journey to Carthage College is just beginning, but her achievements at Mercer will always be a part of her legacy. As she prepares to take her volleyball career to the next level, we wish Eiley all the best and are proud to see her represent Mercer on and off the court at Carthage College next fall.

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.

On December 2nd, Mercer Elementary students were treated to an engaging and immersive Earth Rangers School Assembly that not only sparked excitement but also aligned with high-quality, personalized learning experiences. This dynamic presentation, aimed at students in Grades 1 through 6, transported them to ecosystems around the world, including our very own Great Lakes region, to learn about the wildlife that make these ecosystems home.

The assembly used cutting-edge technology like holograms, animatronics, and surround sound to captivate students as they explored the diverse habitats of animals. Through this innovative approach, students gained a deeper understanding of the importance of protecting ecosystems. The interactive nature of the event, including a trivia game, encouraged student participation, making the learning experience both fun and educational.

In addition to exploring global wildlife issues, the assembly also highlighted real-life heroes who are making a difference in animal rescue efforts, such as the work of International Bird Rescue and the Marine Mammal Rescue Center. By sharing these inspiring stories, the Earth Rangers team emphasized the positive impact we can all have on the environment and the animals around us.

This assembly was more than just a presentation—it was a personalized learning opportunity for students to connect with nature, science, and conservation efforts. For students at Mercer, this event served as a powerful reminder of the importance of environmental stewardship and its role in protecting our planet for future generations.

We are grateful for the opportunity to provide our students with a unique and enriching learning experience that supports student engagement, and connections to the real world while promoting our core value of environmental and outdoor awareness and education.

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.

Mercer Leos volunteered earlier today at the Mercer Lions Senior Christmas Party, showcasing the spirit of community involvement that our students are known for. Teagan and Rhilynn played a vital role in ensuring the event ran smoothly, assisting with set-up, distributing gift bags, confirming bingo winners, and helping with cleanup at the end of the day. Their dedication and hard work contributed to the success of this special event. This is just one example of how Mercer students actively partner with the community to make a positive impact and support local initiatives. We are proud of their commitment to service and giving back to those around them.

Rhilynn and Teagan hand out gift bags filled with fresh fruit to those present at the Senior Center Christmas Party

On December 4th, the Mercer community gathered at the Great Northern Hotel to celebrate the achievements of our fall sports teams during the Cross Country and Volleyball Fall Sports Banquet. It was an evening filled with recognition, gratitude, and a sense of pride as both teams reflected on their hard work and accomplishments throughout the season.

D'kota Engler, Mercer’s athletic director, thanked athletes, coaches, parents, and supporters for their dedication in making the season a success. Each team had the opportunity to highlight their individual and collective accomplishments, with seniors from the volleyball team sharing memories and expressing their appreciation for those who supported them along the way.

For the cross country team, it was a season of growth and perseverance. The athletes were recognized for their commitment and improvements, with special mention of Luis Segura-Martel's selection for first team all conference in the Northern Lights Conference.

The volleyball team was also celebrated for their teamwork, skill, and grit throughout the season. The volleyball team was the Champion of the Northern Lights Conference as well as winning the 9th straight Regional Championship. Eiley Schoeneman and Jenny Klopatek were recognized as co-players of the year for the Northern Lights Conference. Other all-conference recipients were Rylinn Rossi, first-team all-conference, Kaylee Powers, and Anya Brandenburg, honorable mention all-conference. Congratulations!

This season marked a bittersweet moment as it was Coach Robyn Schoeneman’s final year as head volleyball coach. Coach Schoeneman has led the team to numerous conference and regional champion titles over her tenure, including the Northern Lights Conference and Regional championship this year. Her impact on the program will be remembered for years to come. As she stepped down, Coach Schoeneman was recognized for her years of outstanding leadership and dedication to the team and the sport.

In addition to honoring Coach Schoeneman’s legacy, the evening also marked the first year for Elaina Jindra as the head cross-country coach. Coach Jindra brought a fresh perspective to the program, guiding the team through a successful season of growth and achievement.

Both teams took the time to recognize their senior athletes, celebrating their leadership and contributions to the programs. These athletes have played a key role in shaping the success of the teams, and their efforts were acknowledged with heartfelt appreciation as they prepare to move on to the next chapter.

The evening was a wonderful opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate the athletes' achievements, sportsmanship, and the support they received throughout the season. As the banquet concluded, everyone left with a renewed sense of pride in our fall sports programs and the athletes who made this season unforgettable.

We extend our sincere thanks to Coach Robyn Schoeneman for her many years of service and success with the volleyball team and to Coach Elaina Jindra for her promising start as head cross-country coach. We also thank all the athletes, coaches, and families for their dedication, and we look forward to continuing to support Mercer athletics in the future!

As the holiday season approaches, Mercer students are getting into the festive spirit with a creative classroom door-decorating contest! Students have been hard at work transforming their classroom doors into holiday-themed masterpieces. The contest will be judged on December 20.

This fun and engaging activity encourages students to express their creativity and teamwork while spreading holiday cheer throughout the school. Each classroom has chosen a theme, and the students have collaborated to design and decorate their doors, using a variety of materials to bring their visions to life. Whether it’s a winter wonderland, holiday traditions, or a scene from their favorite holiday movie, the doors are sure to reflect the spirit and joy of the season.

The judging will take place on December 20, and a panel of teachers and administrators will evaluate the doors based on creativity, originality, and holiday spirit. Winners will be announced shortly after, with special prizes for the most festive doors!

This event is not only a fun way to celebrate the holidays but also a great opportunity for students to work together, showcase their artistic skills, and contribute to the warm, festive atmosphere at Mercer School. We can’t wait to see the final creations and celebrate the holiday season together!

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

Mercer School is in the process of hiring a full-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. The 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!

Dec 10 8:30 AM Community Scholarship Presentations 9-12th Grade in Cafeteria

Dec 10 4:30 PM Middle School Boys Basketball @ Bessemer

Dec 10 5:45 PM High School Boys Basketball @ South Shore

Dec 10 7:15 PM High School Girls Basketball @ South Shore

Dec 12 5:30 PM MS Boys Basketball @ Butternut

Dec 13 5:45 PM High School Boys Basketball @ Washburn

Dec 13 7:15 PM High School Girls Basketball @ Washburn

Dec 16 10:00 AM Reading Buddies

Dec 17 5:45 PM High School Boys Basketball@ Butternut

Dec 17 7:15 PM High School Girls Basketball @ Butternut

Dec 18 6:00 PM Winter Concert in the Mercer School Gym

Dec 19 5:00 PM School Board Meeting

Dec 20 5:45 PM High School Boys Basketball @ Home vs Drummond

Dec 20 7:15 PM High School Girls Basketball @ Home vs Drummond

Dec 23 - Jan 3 Holiday Break

Monday, Dec 9

Bosco Stick, Glazed Carrots, Pears

Tuesday, Dec 10

Chicken Nuggets, Macaroni Salad, Beets, Banana

Wednesday, Dec 11

Hamburger, French Fries, Baked Beans, Peaches

Thursday, Dec 12

Spaghetti, Salad, Garlic Toast, Mixed Fruit

Friday, Dec 13

Chicken Totchos, Corn, Chickpeas, Pineapple

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