September 2024
Merrill is the 2nd ever middle school to receive the designation of Special Olympics Unified Champion School® demonstrating commitment to inclusion by meeting 10 standards of excellence receives national banner recognition. We will hang this banner in our main lobby.
A Special Olympics Unified Champion School has an inclusive school climate and exudes a sense of collaboration, engagement and respect for all members of the student body and staff. A Unified Champion School receiving national banner recognition is one that has demonstrated commitment to inclusion by meeting 10 national standards of excellence. These standards were developed by a national panel of leaders from Special Olympics and the education community.
The primary activities within these standards include: Special Olympics Unified Sports® (where students with and without disabilities train and compete as teammates), Inclusive Youth Leadership and Whole-School Engagement. Banner Unified Champion Schools should also be able to demonstrate they are self-sustainable or have a plan in place to sustain these activities into the future. We are so proud of our MI-S Program, staff (Ms. Wendy, Maritza, Marcia, Winnie), students and student assistants!
September 2024
DPS had Merrill present to other leaders about our teaching, systems and structures that yielded the second highest growth in the district for all types of learners. We are so proud of our staff, students and community.
August 2024
Every year Merrill continues to be an AVID site of distinction. This means that educators are intentionally closing opportunity gaps using proven strategies in all classes schoolwide consistently.