Dear Merrill Families, This week students had a fun, hands-on 8th grade bill project that walked them through a process modeled on how legislation is approved at the federal level. Our MI-S inclusion students also presented a fantastic assembly where every student was celebrated and lifted up — it was a proud moment for our school. The musical is next Friday and Saturday. See details below about how you can support our Merrill Thespians.
A few important reminders: Beverages: We’ve noticed students bringing Starbucks, Monster Energy Drink, Red Bull and juice to school. To help everyone stay focused and safe, we only allow water in the building. Staff will ask students to throw away non-water drinks in all classroom settings; please support us by sending your student with water for the school day. Important Classroom Reminder: Fidgets & Toys We've noticed an increase in students bringing toys (liquid/gel filled squishy/ 3D printed, teck-decks, slime), and other items to class that are becoming distracting during instruction and independent work time. While we understand these items can be comforting, they are interfering with student focus and classroom engagement. Moving forward, Merrill’s policy for fidget use is: Fidgets are not toys All fidgets need to remain with the student and are not to be shared with friends during school hours.
Fidgets are to be silent and allow for the student to engage in their work, do their work to their best ability, and not distract others. Fidgets need to fit into the palm of their hand and are not able to leave residue, pop, or break into smaller pieces.
If a fidget is seen by the teacher due to student misuse, heard by the teacher due to the fidget making noise when used, it will be taken by the teacher until the end of the school day. We appreciate your support in helping us maintain a focused learning environment where all students can succeed. If you have questions about your student's specific accommodations or needs, please don't hesitate to reach out. Q3 assignments: All work for Quarter 3 is due March 11. Please check in with your student and review their Schoology for missing or upcoming work. Q3 celebrations: ~8th grade movie at the theater — March 20 ~6th grade movie in the auditorium — March 25;
~7th grade movie in the auditorium — March 26. March Newsletters: 6th Grade
7th Grade 8th Grade
Electives/Newcomer/SSP Thank you again for partnering with us. If you have questions about the musical, Schoology assignments, or classroom supports, please reach out and I’ll be glad to help. Thank you for your continued support!
Merrill Leadership |
3/3/26- Merrill Dine Out @ La Fogada 3/6 & 3/7/27- Merrill Musical- details below!
3/11/26- Merrill PTSA Meeting 6:30pm @ Campus Lounge 5/8/26- Merrill Auction! Match Point and Mulligans Gala 5/27/26- 8th Grade Continuation @ South 5-7pm |
Tickets at the door! $8 for adults $5 for students |
Merrill Store- New Amazon Wish List! |
8th Grade Q3 Celebration – Movie Field Trip! |
For our Quarter 3 Celebration, 8th grade students will be heading to the movies! We have reserved a private theater at Regal on Colorado Blvd for March 20th to see "Pout Pout Fish!" Discounted Concessions – Pre-Order and Pre-Payment Required This year, the theater has offered us discounted concession vouchers, but they must be pre-ordered and pre-paid. The theater will provide students with vouchers that: Never expire
Can be used even if your student is absent on reward day Can be saved for a future family movie visit Concession Pricing If we reach 50 or more vouchers in each category, we receive the bulk discount pricing below: Small Popcorn – $5.75 Small Soda – $4.75 Candy – $4.00 (If we do not reach 50 in a category, pricing will increase slightly.) Important: How to Order
Complete the pre-order form using THIS LINK Send cash only payment with your student to Ms. Lacey Graves. All cash payments are due by March 6th. Vouchers will only be ordered for students who have both completed the form AND submitted cash payment by March 6th. Concessions will still be available the day of at regular price for those who do not pre- order vouchers.
Questions or Concerns: Email Lacey_Graves@dpsk12.net |
The last season of sports registration for the 2025-2026 school year is opening today! The Arbiter student registration for Boys Soccer, Softball and 6th Grade Boys & Girls Basketball for our Spring DPS Prep League season is now open. The deadline to have students register will be March 20 at 5:00 p.m. We plan for the first week of games to be April 13 for Boys Soccer and Softball and the week of April 20 for 6th Grade Boys & Girls Basketball.
Merrill Middle School
Arbiter Sports Registration Guide for Parents - please send out to parents if this will help in guiding them through the registration process.
Here is the Arbiter Sports Customer Support page. You can click on articles for Families and Students to possibly help with creating an account, resending their email confirmation, trouble logging into your existing account, etc. There's many here that may help both you and your families.
You can also reach out to the Arbiter Support team if you need help with login information or to see registrations. The email is support@arbitersports.com or call 1-800-311-4060. Boys Basketball
Boys basketball practice will be on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 4-5:15pm Girls Basketball Monday 3/2 - Merrill Boys basketball home game @ 4:15 girls home game @ 5:15 vs DG Northfield. Tuesday 3/3 - Girls basketball Practice 7am
Wednesday 3/4 - Merrill Boys home game @ 4:15 girls home game @ 5:15 vs DG Northfield. Thursday 3/5 - Girls and boys basketball practice 3:55 after school. vincent_franklin@dpsk12.net |
Join Merrill’s Unified Polar Plunge Team — March 1, 2026 | Washington Park, Denver!
Get ready to make a splash for an amazing cause! On Sunday, March 1, 2026, Special Olympics is hosting the 2026 Polar Plunge & 5K, a fun and impactful fundraiser benefiting Special Olympics Colorado at Wash Park.
By joining Merrill’s Unified Polar Plunge team, you’ll be part of a community of supporters stepping out of their comfort zone to make a real difference. Whether you plunge into the cold water, run the 5K, or cheer on your teammates, your involvement helps create inclusive opportunities and meaningful experiences for Special Olympics athletes.
If you are unable to participate in person but would like to donate to the cause please use the QR code on the following flyer, Be sure to donate on the Merrill link as 50% of the proceeds will come back to Merrill to support the Adapted PE program with new equipment, Thank you for your support! Ms. Wendy and Merrill’s Unified Program |
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
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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
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Merrill Families Helping Families |
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 Families Helping Families & the Merrill Meals Pantry are looking for volunteers! Volunteers are needed to: Pick up food donations
Stock pantry shelves
Help pack backpacks with food for families in the Merrill community
Our Spring volunteer signup is now OPEN, and we’d love to have you join us for one of our upcoming monthly backpack distributions. Whether you can help once or on a regular basis, your time and energy make a difference.
Don’t see a time that fits your schedule, but still want to help? Email sgrisinger77@gmail.com to join our volunteer list and get updates on future opportunities. |
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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.
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Cool Classroom! Mr. Stock's Math Classes |
Students in Mr. Stock’s class got to explore the world of logic through gaming! |
February is Black History Month. It is an important time to honor and celebrate the contributions and resilience of Black individuals throughout history. Here are some book recommendations that can be found on SORA. |
Energy Assistance for Families |
As the colder months approach, we want to ensure that there are no families in our Denver Public Schools (DPS) community facing utility disconnections or struggle to keep their homes warm.
The Southeast Community Hub is an officially approved partner of Energy Outreach Colorado (EOC). This partnership allows us to provide direct energy bill assistance and resources to income-qualified DPS families.
You can learn more about the programs and resources available through EOC here: https://www.energyoutreach.org Through this partnership, the Hub can assist families with:
Bill Payment Assistance: Emergency help with past-due energy bills to prevent shut-offs. Heating System Repair: Access to the Crisis Intervention Program for emergency furnace repairs. Weatherization: Helping families reduce long-term energy costs through home efficiency. |
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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