Dear Families,
What a wonderful week we had at Merrill! The week was capped off by our spirited “Welcome to the Jungle” dance — a lively, inclusive celebration where students and staff came together to have fun and build community. That event was one of several meaningful activities, including SoUL Night, our community food drives, and the vibrant International Festival. Each of these events showcased the creativity, generosity, and cultural richness of our school community.
Merrill is a place where connections matter. We are proud to be part of the Luminary Learning Network (LLN), a partnership that centers families in the life of our schools. The LLN’s philosophy is clear: schools are shaped with families, not for families. That collaborative approach strengthens our programs, supports student learning, and ensures families have a meaningful voice in decisions that affect their children. #LuminaryLearningNetwork
Important reminders for next week:
- It will be a short week — students will be in the building Monday through Thursday only. Please make note of this schedule so students arrive prepared and on time.
- We are approaching the end of the first semester. This is a great opportunity to check in on academic progress.
Family action steps:
-We encourage families to set aside time with their students to review grades and assignments in Schoology. A brief conversation now can help students reflect on goals for the rest of the year and organize any needed next steps.
-Celebrate progress: acknowledge effort, improvements, and areas for growth. Positive reinforcement helps students stay motivated.
Wishing everyone a restful weekend with family and friends. Thank you for being part of the Merrill community — your support makes all the difference. See you next week!
Sincerely,
Merrill Leadership
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Food Drive Next Week! Drop off Nonperishables in the Main Lobby.
Food Pick UP Friday, November 21, 1-3pm
No School Friday, November 21 through Sunday, November 30. Enjoy the long break!
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The student registration for Boys & Girls Volleyball for our Winter Prep League season is now open. The deadline to register is set for December 5
Please know that this is different from the 6th grade volleyball, all grades are able to try out for the team. There will be 1 boys team and 1 girls team. Games are slated to start the first week back from Winter break.
Merrill Middle School
Tryout dates are TBD
Any questions please reach out to Mr. Franklin
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PTSA Holiday Celebration!!
Wednesday, December 10 (6:30pm, location TBD)
Please join us to celebrate a
wonderful fall semester at Merrill!!
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The Merrill Store is designed to promote positive behavior and encourages students to make good choices. They earn Merrill Money throughout their time at school and use it to "purchase" items at the store during their recess. Items include snacks, chips, candy, sports equipment, Merrill gear, fidgets, toys, stickers and most importantly- gift cards! It's so fun seeing your student during the school day! We will have the store open 2 Fridays a month and hope to see you there! SignUpGeniusHere |
Merrill Families Helping Families-We need Backpacks! |
Greetings #FAMILY! Merrill Meals pantry provides free groceries once a month to families in the Merrill community that would like to receive extra food. We understand that everyone could use some support from time to time, and we are here to help.
If you would like to receive extra groceries one-time per month, please complete this private and anonymous survey, so we can provide the food items that your family likes to eat and match your preferences. Please mark the items that you would like to have potentially included in your pre-packed backpack.
MerrillMealsForm
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The Merrill Meals program is in need of backpack in new or like new condition for our monthly food distribution. Must be at least 16 inches and made of durable material. Neutral colors preferred. Logos are fine. Please bring donations to the main office. Thank you! |
Four generous donors will win!
Any donation amount enters you in the drawing!
Already donated? Donate any amount again for the chance to win!
At over $17k raised so far, the Merrill Movers Giving Campaign has doubled its donations since last week. A huge thank you to those who have already given!!!
Our goal is to raise $57,777. We need your support!
http://fundrazr.com/merrillmovers2025
There are close to 600 families at Merrill. So far we have participation from 65 families. Imagine what we could do if 100% of our families gave!
Every dollar goes to support every student, and no donation amount is too small!
There are so many ways to give:
Remember, no amount is too small, and you can absolutely give
anonymously (just check the box to remain anonymous when you submit
your gift).
You can also elect to give a recurring amount of your choosing each
month if that is more comfortable. Scroll down the homepage of the
giving site for instructions under “How to Donate”.
And don't forget to check in with your employer to see if they offer a
company match to your donation. Most large employers do!
Consider donating stock. Did you know if you donate stock directly to a
charity, there's no capital gains tax to pay? *Please contact your tax advisor
for guidance as it pertains to your personal situation - instructions are at the bottom
of the giving site homepage.
Why all the 7's?
Because We are Funding Current and New Initiatives in Merrill’s Seven Key Areas of Success for our Students:
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Please give! We ask that you give as generously as you can! Together, we can reach our goal!
http://fundrazr.com/merrillmovers2025
Calling all parents!
*Help us create momentum and excitement around this year’s campaign, by donating
gift certificates, event tickets and items of value to be used as incentives for boosting
donations throughout the campaign!
*Are you considering making a large donation or offering a match? Please reach out
before doing so for additional instructions.
For incentive items and large donations, please contact lcervantesglynn@gmail.com
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Donate Your Longmont Dairy Caps in the Merrill Office Longmont Dairy supports Merrill by giving 5¢ back for every milk cap! So, it's time to drop off all of those extra Longmont Dairy milk caps that you have been saving all summer! Stop on by the main office and help us fill up our collection bin to start our year off strong. Don't have any to turn in quite yet? We will continue to collect milk caps throughout the school year. Encourage your friends and neighbors to help us collect as well to help raise money that goes to support our students and staff. |
Cool Classroom! Mx. DiMarzio’s Band/ Orchestra Concert! |
Students in band, orchestra and choir club played and sang their hearts out at the concert on Wednesday. |
November is National Native American Heritage Month. We celebrate the cultural wealth of achievements and contributions that all Native Americans have provided and continue to bring. Below are some book recommendations that can be found on Sora to help with appreciating the multitude of accomplishments of Native American people. |
If you need support securing food…
City and County of Denver: Visit their website to find food assistance across the city. Tasty Food Program: Afterschool meals for children will be offered at Denver recreation centers. Visit the Tasty Food website for locations and hours of operation. Food Bank of the Rockies: Find a food pantry near you using their Pantry Locator tool. Colorado 211: This confidential and multilingual service connects people to vital resources across Colorado. Call 2-1-1, 866-760-6489 or visit 211colorado.org. Note: The hotline is open 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday, however, expect long wait times. To avoid waiting, use the call-back feature. Feeding Colorado: The collaborative effort of the 5 Feeding America food banks that serve Colorado and Wyoming to coordinate and enhance food resources, ensuring food insecure Coloradans have access to healthy, fresh foods. Visit feedingcolorado.org/find-food or email info@feedingcolorado.org. Hunger Free Colorado: Connects Colorado families and individuals to SNAP/food stamps, food pantries, free meal sites, WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) and other nutrition programs geared toward families, children and older adults. Call 855-855-4626 Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
The City and County of Denver’s Department of Human Services (DHS) will continue processing SNAP applications and renewals to make sure benefits are processed in a timely fashion as soon as the government shutdown ends. SNAP beneficiaries will receive SNAP benefits retroactively once the government reopens. DHS strongly encourages families to continue submitting SNAP paperwork in the meantime.
If you would like to support local efforts…
Denver Public Schools Foundation: Support the DPS community by donating to the DPS Foundation Food Security Fund. City and County of Denver: Visit their website to learn more about donating food, money and/or time. Denver Recreation Center Drop-off Locations: Non-perishable food items can be dropped off at any Denver rec center. Visit the City and County of Denver website to learn more. Denver Animal Shelter: Donate pet food to the Denver Animal Shelter located at 1241 W. Bayaud Ave. or through their Amazon wishlist. 10 Ways to Support Your Community Now:This slide deck from the City and County of Denver provides resources, suggestions and ideas on how to take immediate action in your community.
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Discover Your Future at CEC Early College! |
Our Open House is the best way to experience what CEC is all about. Meet our teachers, tour the campus, explore our 18 career pathways, and learn how students can earn free college, gain industry certifications and discover what you’re passionate about – all before high school graduation! Students can attend CEC full time or part time and take core academic classes at their home high school.
Date/Time: Thursday, November 20, 2025 from 5-7 PM
Location: CEC Early College, 2650 Eliot St. Denver, CO. 80211
Parking: Enter on 27th Ave. & Decatur St. for east lot, main entrance by flag pole
If you have any questions, contact us at, 720-423-6600. We can’t wait to meet you!
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East Angels Futures Info!
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DPS Support Opportunities! And MySpark!
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Youth On Record Programs!
FREE program offerings for young musicians, and we’d love for you to share this opportunity with any students who might be interested.
Creative Enrichment Classes for middle and high school students. Classes next session include Beatmaking, Songwriting, and Piano Lab. Studio Bookings young musicians can book out space in our Youth Media Studio for recording, mixing, band rehearsals, songwriting sessions, and jam sessions Drop-in Fridays - Youth and Families are welcome to drop in on Fridays for tours, studio access, and a regular schedule of events and activations including First Friday Open Mic!
Here is our registration link.
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