About

Merrill Mission

Merrill Middle School is a learning community that promotes a culture of excellence through rigorous academics and a strong emphasis on responsibility, caring, and respect.  We celebrate our diverse international population that represents over 30 countries throughout the world.  We strive to develop in each student a love of learning, a sense of community, and the knowledge and skills necessary to excel in a global society.

 

The Merrill Creed says: “At Merrill we strive to achieve exceptional academic success through hard work and responsible actions.  We exhibit excellence in character through kindness, respect, and the courage to do what is right.  Our differences enhance our humanity.”

 

Merrill Middle School Values……..

  • An academic environment that is rigorous and sets high expectations for student achievement and behavior.
  • Instruction that provides personalized educational opportunities for all students.
  • Curriculum that is focused on critical thinking, problem-solving, collaboration and communication skills
  • A diverse, international student community
  • Student independence, responsibility, and a strong work ethic
  • A school community focused on each student developing a positive self-concept, appreciation for diversity and a sense of belonging.
  • A balance of academics, athletics and the arts for every student

 

From the Principal

  Thank you for taking the time to learn more about Merrill Middle School! As you peruse our site, I would like to remind you of some of the things that make Merrill such a unique school. A diverse international population comprised of over 30 countries.  We have representation from every continent except Antarctica.  Our …

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Mission and Vision

Mission Merrill does more to engage, encourage and empower every student to be an independent, critical thinker in a collaborative community. Vision Merrill will uphold a culture of excellence that prepares all students for success in college, career and the world around them.

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Grading System

Merrill uses a standards based grading system, grading students on both content standards and characteristics of a learner.  The content standards indicate where the student currently stands at grade level expectations for proficiency, or mastery of that particular standard.  Characteristics of a learner standards indicate how the student is behaving and following school wide and …

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Cafeteria

Merrill is proud to have a made-by-scratch kitchen. We use no processed foods, opting instead for whole grains, fresh meats and fruits and vegetables that are locally produced where possible. We have a salad bar that is stocked with a rotating array of fruits and vegetables every day. We also serve a variety of menu …

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Front Hallway

ELA/Newcomer Center

ELA (English Language Acquisition) Merrill’s English Language Acquisition (ELA) Program supports international students who speak languages other than English at home.  The program addresses speaking, reading, and writing in English. The ELA Program’s primary goal is to provide our international students with the English language skills they need to meaningfully participate in Merrill’s traditional curricular …

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Indian Focus

Jerry Lassos, American Indian Resource Specialist Telephone: 720.423-7160 (At TJ)   Room Number: 200BB Email: jerry_lassos@dpsk12.org Jerry Lassos is in his third year as an Indian Ed Focus Teacher at Merrill.  He is also working with American Indian students at South and Thomas Jefferson High Schools.   Jerry is from Venice, California.  In the Air Force he …

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CSC

Staff Amy Bringedahl – Principal Stephanie Graves – Chairperson/Teacher Juanita MacKenzie – Teacher Mike Quintana – Teacher Joanie Graber – Teacher Carol Hellmers – Teacher Nancy Brandon – Paraprofessional Parents   Linda Brill Nikki Maloney Keith Forman Community Member   Mark Hoover   The CSC committee generally meets on the third Thursday of the Month …

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Principal Amy Bringedahl

Administration

Amy Bringedahl – Principal Amy Bringedahl is in her second year as principal of Merrill Middle School.  During her 20 year career Amy has held administrative positions in elementary, middles and high school as an Athletic Director, Assistant Principal and Principal. Prior to her administrative experience Amy was a middle and high school Social Studies …

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