2012-13 maps state of the district

Merrill Area Public Schools: 2012-2013 State of the District 1

STATE OF THE DISTRICT REPORT2012-2013

Merrill Area Public Schools: 2012-2013 State of the District2 Merrill Area Public Schools: 2012-2013 State of the District

DEAR COMMUNITY MEMBERS,

It is a pleasure to present this State of the District Report to members of the Merrill Area Public School community. As in past years, this report provides a formal review of the various efforts underway throughout the district and an overall review of students’ performance.

As interim superintendent, I have had the pleasure of serving this district for the past year. I have said many times that you, the community members, have much to be proud of in Merrill. The district has an exceptional staff and an engaged community that is committed to the success of the district and its students.

It is often said that the one constant in all of our lives is change. This is especially true for our students and the era that they are living in. We are faced with the overwhelming task of preparing students for jobs that currently do not exist and to work in industries that may not have yet been invented, which points to the current rate of change and the challenges of education in the 21st century.

In this report, you will learn about how we are addressing these rapid changes at each of our schools, as well as some ongoing district-level efforts to ensure that our students are prepared for both the opportunities and challenges they will face in the future.

It has been a true honor to serve as your interim superintendent for the last year. Incoming Superintendent Wally Leipart is an outstanding educational leader who will serve the district and this community extremely well.

With that, I wish to thank you again. I look forward to hearing about the future success of the Merrill Area Public Schools, as well as their students, staff, and community.

Sincerely,

Don Stevens, Interim Superintendent

A LETTER TO CITIZENS OF MERRILL

2

Don Stevens, Interim Superintendent


Since joining the district, my family and I have had the pleasure of meeting parents, staff, and other community members, and we are so grateful for the warm welcome we have received. We have found that the excellent staff, terrific families, and commitment to high-quality education make the Merrill Area Public Schools a wonderful district—one that I am extremely proud to be a part of.

There are many great things taking place in the district that I am committed to continuing, and new opportunities that will allow us to work together on behalf of our students and families. By working together we have the potential to make Merrill Area Public Schools a premier district. As your superintendent it is my goal to make this happen and I intend to do this by following three guiding principles: rigor, relevance, and efficiency.

By rigor, I mean continually raising the bar for what our students know and can do. Let’s face it, as the economy changes, our graduates’ knowledge and skills must be more competitive than ever. Standing still and becoming complacent means falling behind.

By relevance, I mean continuously ensuring that the knowledge and skills the students gain are important—that they connect with and are applicable to real-world needs and expectations.

Finally, by efficiency, I mean value for our money. As a district leader, I have a responsibility to make the most of every tax dollar that is invested in our schools; I take this job very seriously.

In conclusion, I hope you will come to know me as someone who is approachable, fair, and reliable. Teachers and community members in my previous districts will tell you that I am always willing to listen to concerns and have an open door policy. I trust you will find this to be true as well.

Thanks for the opportunity to serve you as your superintendent. Here’s to a great school year!

Wally Leipart, Superintendent

WELCOME TO THE DISTRICT

Wally Leipart, Superintendent

4

MERRILL AREA PUBLIC SCHOOLS: CENTERED ON SUCCESS

The Merrill Area Public Schools utilizes a model of continuous improvement to guide its work. This approach to organizational leadership and management ensures that the district is defined by its mission, guided by its vision and focused on its strategic goals. The MAPS model is systems-thinking oriented and based on a belief in improvement through increased accountability and a focus on excellence.

MAPS has clearly defined the components of success and consistently uses them to guide decisions and monitor its progress toward precise targets.

MISSION

The Merrill Area Public School District, in partnership with our community and families, is committed to providing the best education for every student in a safe environment.

VISION

The Merrill Area Public Schools will be a leader in providing a quality education for all students through effective community, family and staff partnerships.

BELIEFS

We believe in transparency with our community. We believe we are educational leaders. We believe all students can learn by raising achievement and engagement. We believe our staff should be empowered through shared decision-making.

These goals and the action plans that support them, guide our continuous improvement. Our school leaders and board members monitor the progress toward the identified targets. These targets include academic measures such as the Wisconsin Knowledge and Concepts Exam, the ACT and local assessment data as well as perception measures such as the student, staff and parent annual survey.

Merrill Area Public Schools: 2012-2013 State of the District


The district monitors their financial stability through key indicators such as open-enrollment, summer school attendance, level of fund balance and the district’s bond rating. Other measureable indicators on the dashboard are graduation rates, level of staff education, positive media coverage, post secondary enrollment and staff development data.

The most important aspect that district and board level leaders are concerned about is that there is continuous improvement in all areas. In many cases, we have set the targets quite high fully knowing it may take a few years to rise to the level of excellence we expect. An example of this is our stakeholder satisfaction data. Our target of 90% satisfied in all areas measured is lofty for sure, but we were able to achieve it in a number of areas. Students reported high levels of satisfaction with technology, and feeling safe in the classroom. Staff members and students alike reported high levels of satisfaction with their building administration and communication systems.

MAPS leaders will continue down the path of continuous improvement so every student can achieve their full potential and so that MAPS can realize their vision of being “a leader in providing a quality education.”

STRATEGIC GOAL #1 Academic Achievement & Responsive Learning Environment

STRATEGIC GOAL #2 Fiscal Responsibility – (Aligned and Integrated Management System)

STRATEGIC GOAL #3 Communication – (Connected Learning Community)

STRATEGIC GOAL #4 Accountability – (High Quality Workforce)

STRATEGIC GOAL #5 21st Century Skills & Knowledge

Merrill Area Public Schools: 2012-2013 State of the District6

Jefferson Elementary is home to approximately 290 students from kindergarten through to 5th grade. It has a rich tradition of academic excellence and a sense of school spirit that touches students, staff, parents, and the community. Jefferson teachers and staff are dedicated to ensuring the success of each and every student, to cultivating a passion for learning, and to providing each student with the

opportunity to excel both as an individual and as part of a team.

The school’s dedicated group of teachers and support staff are committed to providing all students with a safe, stimulating, child-centered learning environment. Through partnerships with their families, the school strives to prepare students to become productive

members of an ever-changing society. Jefferson Elementary

students are exposed to quality educational experiences that ensure they reach their maximum potential as lifelong learners. These family and community partnerships extend beyond the school day to include after school opportunities through our Lighted Schoolhouse, tutoring and enrichment programs.

Jefferson students are also proud members of the “Jefferson Jaguar Promise Keepers,” a program intended to promote a positive climate and culture at the school. Each week, one student from each classroom is chosen by his or her peers and teacher to be recognized as “Promise Keeper of the Week.” These are students who have demonstrated our core values of being ‘CARING, HONEST, RESPECTFUL and RESPONSIBLE’ at all times and in all places as we pledge to be in our Jefferson Jaguar Promise.

JEFFERSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

1914 West Jackson Street

Merrill, WI 54452

Principal: Ruth DeJarlais

(715) 536-5432

DID YOU KNOW:• Over 75% of Jefferson students took part in Jefferson ‘Jag Clubs,’ a component of our grant

programming which extends beyond the bells. Staff and volunteers led groups of students

in tutoring, special field trips as well as enrichment classes such as basketball, cooking,

cribbage, dance, wearable art and much more.

• Jefferson Elementary is a SAGE (Student Achievement Guarantee in Education) school,

meaning all classrooms in grades kindergarten through third grade have a student to teacher

ratio of 18 to 1 or less. This allows teachers to better meet individual student needs.



GRADE 3 4 5

WKCE Reading 18% 31% 27%

WKCE Language Arts 73%

WKCE Math 36% 55% 61%

WKCE Science 93%

WKCE Social Studies 93%

TESTING “PROFICIENT” + “ADVANCED”Levels based on Total FAY Enrolled*

*Note: Source DPI full academic year (FAY) WKCE test score data.Shaded cell indicates subject not tested at that grade level.

STAFF DATA

Education Assistants 5.5 Administrator(s) 1

Paraeducators 5.5 Principal 1

Clerical/Technical 1.3 Other .33

Office Secretary 1.3 IMC .33

Custodial/Operations 1

Custodian 1

TOTAL: 9.13

NUMBER OF TEACHERS

22.8AVERAGE EXPERIENCE (IN YEARS)

9.0PERCENTAGE WITH ADVANCE DEGREES

45.5%

JEFFERSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL2012-2013 PERFORMANCE

2012-2013

Free/Reduced Lunch 161 57.7%

Eng. Lang.Learners 1 .4%

Special Education 45 16.1%

AVERAGE DAILY ATTENDANCE

2011-2012 96.1%

2010-2011 96%

2009-2010 95.8%

KG 1 2 3 4 5

43 48 40 48 48 52

ENROLLMENT BY ETHNICITY

Hispanic 3 1.1%

White 274 98.2%

Other 2 .7%

ENROLLMENT BY GRADE


Student Data Source: DPI WINNS. Staff Data Source: PI-1202 Report.


Named after the first teacher of the town’s original elementary school, Kate Goodrich Elementary is also Merrill’s newest elementary school. Since it was built in 1998, the school has been the educational home to approximately 360 students from kindergarten through fifth

grade. Kate Goodrich’s staff, parents and other community members work hard to create a vibrant, caring and nurturing academic environment.

Kate Goodrich Elementary takes great pride in its diversity, strong Parent-Teacher Organization, high level of family involvement and friendly, cohesive staff, which come together to create an ideal learning atmosphere for students.

The school’s facilities also contribute to the educational

environment. A beautiful library, well-equipped computer labs, state-of-the-art technology classrooms and two large playgrounds are some of its highlights. Other features include beautiful art and music rooms, providing students with spacious environments to fully express their artistic and musical talents.

Kate Goodrich also participates in the school breakfast program, healthy afternoon fruit and vegetable snacks and provides after-school programs for students.

Over the past 15 years, we have worked to maximize the educational experience for all of our students, and we welcome your visit. Come and see how we focus on working together to build a strong educational community that benefits the young people of the Merrill area.

KATE GOODRICH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

505 West 10th Street

Merrill, WI 54452

Principal: Mark Jahnke

(715) 536-5233

DID YOU KNOW:• We are in the third year of implementing an after-school program, Kate’s Café (Children and

Families Excel) – Kate Goodrich was fortunate enough to be awarded a two-year grant to

help support after-school programming for students and families. The staff at Kate has totally

embraced this opportunity and is in the beginning planning stages for next year already.

• Kate Goodrich was awarded the highly competitive five-year 21st Century Grant. These

additional funds will help with after-school programming and we feel very privileged to

have received it.




African American 10 2.8%

American Indian 5 1.4%

Hispanic 1 .3%

White 338 94.7%

Other 3 .84%

GRADE 3 4 5



WKCE Math 55% 47% 57%

WKCE Science 70%




STAFF DATA





Custodial/Operations 2.63

Custodian 1.63

Head Custodian 1

TOTAL: 14.9

NUMBER OF TEACHERS


11PERCENTAGE WITH ADVANCE DEGREES

78.8%

KATE GOODRICH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL2012-2013 PERFORMANCE

2012-2013


Eng. Lang. Learners 0 0



2011-2012 95.4%

2010-2011 95.3%

2009-2010 95.6%

KG 1 2 3 4 5

51 63 47 68 54 74

ENROLLMENT BY GRADE




Maple Grove School serves 102 students in grades K-5. The intention of our school is to create engaging and rich educational experiences within our community that teach character development and foster personal ownership in student learning. Learning expeditions at Maple Grove School address issues

of community understanding and awareness, agriculture awareness, environmental awareness and stewardship.

Maple Grove School’s mission is to seek to develop the whole child through the provision of exploratory experiences where students will engage in hands on approach in project development through cultural connections to our traditions, opportunities and our greater community.

Maple Grove School is founded on the ten Expeditionary Learning Design Principles. They are drawn from the work of Expeditionary

Learning/Outward Bound’s founder Kurt Hahn and other educational leaders and are extraordinarily compatible with the mission, philosophy, and goals and objectives of Maple Grove School: • The Primacy of Self Discovery • The Having of Wonderful Ideas • The Responsibility for Learning • Empathy and Caring • Success and Failure • Collaboration and Competition • Diversity and Inclusion • The Natural World • Solitude and Reflection • Service and Compassion

Maple Grove School is a unique, rural school, learning environment located in the Merrill district and proximal to the Marathon areas. The goal of the school is to create engaging and rigorous educational experiences within the community that teach character development and foster personal ownership in student learning.

MAPLE GROVE SCHOOL (A Collaborative Expeditionary Learning Charter)

290 Highway F

Hamburg, WI 54411

Lead Teacher:

Russ Noland

(715) 536-7684

DID YOU KNOW:• Built in 1904, Maple Grove School has the unique

distinction of being one of the oldest elementary

schools in the nation. It is steeped in a rich history

of providing academic excellence, and is a reflection

of the commitment of the families in the Hamburg

community to their school.



GRADE 3 4 5



WKCE Math 21% 67% 84%

WKCE Science 67%


TESTING “PROFICIENT” + “ADVANCED” Levels based on Total FAY Enrolled*


STAFF DATA

Education Assistants 1 Administrator(s) .5

Paraeducators 1 Principal .5

Clerical/Technical 1 Other .1

Office Secretary 1 IMC .1


Custodian 1

TOTAL: 3.6

NUMBER OF TEACHERS



33.3%

MAPLE GROVE SCHOOL2012-2013 PERFORMANCE

KG 1 2 3 4 5

17 19 15 19 18 14


Hispanic 2 2%

White 100 98%

ENROLLMENT BY GRADE



2012-2013


Eng. Lang.Learners 2 2%



2011-2012 97.5%

2010-2011 96.5%

2009-2010 96.3%


Located at 1900 E. 6th Street, on the east side of Merrill, students from Gleason, Pine River and the city of Merrill all attend Washington Elementary School. The school has a diverse population of approximately 300 students, including many English as a Second Language students.

At Washington Elementary, education starts by establishing a positive relationship with children and their families. Washington’s “School Families” activities,

“Positive Actions with Students” reward system and “Positive Behavior and Intervention Support” discipline system are some examples of the school’s student-centered focus.

Conservation, environmental awareness and compassion for others are also incorporated

into the Washington curriculum. Students recycle paper, turn food scraps into compost and participate in “green” activities throughout the year. The school even has an outdoor classroom, which staff members use to promote science and environmental care. In addition, food drives for the local food pantry and fundraisers to support UNICEF, the Juvenile Diabetes Foundation and local disaster relief efforts are led by both students and teachers.

Activities and programs continue after the school day at Washington. After-school tutoring, enrichment and “Lighted Schoolhouse” night programs are facilitated by a grant. And the PTO promotes family involvement through special events such as the Aloha Hop, Bingo Night, Secret Santa and Family Fun Day at the school forest.

WASHINGTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

1900 East 6th Street

Merrill, WI 54452

Principal: Paul Klippel

(715) 536-2373

DID YOU KNOW:• Washington operates an after-school tutoring and enrichment program four days per week

during the school year funded by a 21st Century Community Learning Center Grant.

• Washington is the district magnet school for Hispanic families.

• Washington has a “Green Team” which has organized projects such as the outdoor

classroom, community garden, and earth day activities.



GRADE 3 4 5



WKCE Math 47% 46% 67%

WKCE Science 73%




STAFF DATA






Custodian 1.5

TOTAL: 11.76

NUMBER OF TEACHERS

26AVERAGE EXPERIENCE (IN YEARS)


77.7%

WASHINGTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL2012-2013 PERFORMANCE

2012-2013


Eng. Lang.Learners 10 3.1%



2011-2012 96.0%

2010-2011 95.5%

2009-2010 95.9%

KG 1 2 3 4 5

53 54 54 52 53 52



American Indian 2 .6%

Asian 3 .9%

Hispanic 18 5.7%

Pacific Islander 2 .6%

White 284 89.3%

Other 3 .9%

ENROLLMENT BY GRADE




Prairie River Middle School (PRMS) has evolved from a high school (1922-1997) into a true middle school that places students into smaller learning communities (or teams). Our 6th grade students work with dynamic two-teacher teams, one teaches Math/Science and the other teaches Literacy/Social Studies, so as to personalize our school

environment. Meanwhile, our 7th and 8th grade students work collaboratively on a four-teacher, content-specific team.

Furthermore, all three grades start their day in a morning meeting. This small group meeting time sets the tone and climate for the day, addresses the need to feel a sense of belonging, and

helps address social and emotional learning. Our approach with students incorporates restorative practices in

order to create and enhance positive relationships.

The core curriculum includes the algebra-dripping Connected Math Program (CMP), the Full-Option Science System (FOSS), and a common core ready literacy program. Finally, our Civil War Day provides a wonderful, culminating event for our middle school Social Studies curriculum.

Meanwhile, our Applied Academic course offerings consist of the State’s best middle school Band, not to mention Vocal programming, Family/Consumer Education, Technology, Art, Foreign Language, Physical Education, Health, and Business Education.

We are confident that the Prairie River Middle School experience will inspire all students to excel in academics and citizenship. In closing, we encourage your family to take the journey with us!

PRAIRIE RIVER MIDDLE SCHOOL

106 North Polk Street

Merrill, WI 54452

Principal: Gerald Beyer

(715) 536-9593

DID YOU KNOW:• The middle school is the first time when all of the district’s students come together.

• Prairie River Middle School has the highest math scores in the conference.

• The school has two-person teaching teams starting in 6th grade.






Hispanic 11 2.0%

Pacific Isle. 4 .7%

White 530 94.6%

Other 1 .2%

GRADE 6 7 8



WKCE Math 59% 54% 52%

WKCE Science 78%




STAFF DATA



Assoc. Principal 1

Clerical/Technical 4 Other .9

Office Secretary 3 IMC .9

Administrative Secretary 1


Custodian 4

Head Custodian 1

TOTAL: 20.5

NUMBER OF TEACHERS



59.1%

PRAIRIE RIVER MIDDLE SCHOOL2012-2013 PERFORMANCE

2012-2013





2011-2012 95.3%

2010-2011 95.2%

2009-2010 94.9%

6 7 8

185 163 212

ENROLLMENT BY GRADE




Merrill High School (MHS) provides a fantastic environment in which to learn, work and grow. It is large enough to offer a comprehensive, rigorous curriculum that meets the diverse needs of all of its students, and small enough to allow learners to build relationships they will value for a lifetime.

Merrill offers demanding core academic classes, a strong vocational

and technical education program and a wealth of extracurricular activities. Additional instructional opportunities in the areas of technology, world languages and online learning are also available to students.

All MHS students make up the Blue Jay community

and have the opportunity to take part in a variety of outstanding activities, organizations and teams. Whether

they take part in the National Honor Society, Debate Forensics and Skills USA, or a state-level competition with the Marching Jays or the Wisconsin Interscholastic Athletics Association, students have the chance to excel in a wide array of areas.

Throughout their time at MHS, students acquire all the knowledge and skills necessary for college, and introducing students to research-based instructional practices and strategies prepares Blue Jay students for the future. Innovations like the Flex 14 schedule offer students the opportunity to attend large lectures and presentations, participate in rigorous lab work and engage in meaningful small-group discussions.

We encourage you to take advantage of everything MHS has to offer, and invite you to discover for yourself what makes MHS a great place to learn, work and grow.

MERRILL HIGH SCHOOL

1201 North Sales Street

Merrill, WI 54452

Principal: Shannon Murray

(715) 536-4581

DID YOU KNOW:• The graduating class of 2013 earned over $1.5 million in college scholarships from local and

outside funding sources.

• Merrill High School continues to provide expanded opportunities for students to earn college

level credits for the courses they take in high school. During the 2012-2013 school year MHS

offered 26 dual enrollment courses in which students earned college credits, were exposed to

post-secondary rigor, and saved money in the process.



GRADE 10

WKCE Reading 34%


WKCE Math 59%

WKCE Science 77%




STAFF DATA



Assoc. Principal 1

Clerical/Technical 7 Other 3

Office Secretary 6 IMC 1

Admin. Secretary 1 Athletic Director 1

Dean of Students 1


Custodian 6

Head Custodian 1

TOTAL: 25.4

NUMBER OF TEACHERS

64AVERAGE EXPERIENCE (IN YEARS)


61.7%

MERRILL HIGH SCHOOL2012-2013 PERFORMANCE

2012-2013





2011-2012 98.5%

2010-2011 98.7%

2009-2010 97.7%


African American 7 .7%


Asian 7 .7%

Hispanic 10 1%

Pacific Isle 4 .4%

White 985 97.1%

ENROLLMENT BY GRADE



9 10 11 12

242 243 253 276

ENROLLMENT BY GRADE


The MAPS Head Start/Early Childhood building is located on Hwy 64, 1/2 mile east of Hwy 51. The two separate programs housed within the building have been melded into one coordinated experience for three-to five-year-old children and their families. Four-year-olds are also enrolled in the 4K Program.

The Head Start program is federally-funded and designed to provide low-income families and their children with just that – a head start. The Early Childhood program meets the needs of children with disabilities.

Both programs follow the MAPS district calendar, with children coming in for either a morning or afternoon session four

times a week. Once a week, staff members visit students’ homes or do family activities that involve family members in their children’s education.

The curriculum is based on individual student needs, Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards, Common Core State Standards, Head Start Framework and the Creative Curriculum. Our mission is to engage, educate and empower all young children and their families.

We believe that strength lies in effective partnerships that are non-judgmental, and we work to foster each individual’s unique assets. Most importantly, we believe that children learn best through guided play and hands-on exploration. Continuous growth is an essential part of our programs.

PINE RIVER SCHOOL FOR YOUNG LEARNERS (Head Start/Early Childhood Program)

W4165 State Hwy 64

Merrill, WI 54452

Head Start/Early Childhood

Director: Joan Krohn

(715) 536-2392

DID YOU KNOW:• There were 115 three- to five-year-olds enrolled in

the combined Head Start (low-income) and Early Childhood (children with disabilities) Program at the end of the 2012-13 school year.

• Head Start/Early Childhood clocked over 2,500 volunteer hours for the 2012-13 school year.

• Our natural playscape is open to the public during non-school hours. Please come and learn through play.



MAP (Measure of Academic Progress) DATA 2012-2013

STAFF DATA

Education Assistants 8 Administrator(s) 1

Paraeducators 8 Principal 1

Clerical/Technical 1

Office Secretary 1


Custodian 1.8

TOTAL: 11.8

NUMBER OF TEACHERS


9.0PERCENTAGE WITH ADVANCE DEGREES

47.6%

PINE RIVER SCHOOL FOR YOUNG LEARNERS (Head Start/Early Childhood Program)2012-2013 PERFORMANCE

2012-2013


Eng. Lang.Learners 0 0



2011-2012 94.8%

2010-2011 92.1%

2009-2010 92.2%

PK

223



Hispanic 9 4.0%

White 209 93.7%

Other 2 .9%

ENROLLMENT BY GRADE


Grade HS/ECAll

MAPS HS/ECAll

MAPS HS/ECAll

MAPS HS/ECAll

MAPS HS/ECAll

MAPS HS/ECAll

MAPS

3 27% 26% 9% 7% 52% 53% 43% 29% 9% 8% 39% 49%

4 15% 17% 10% 7% 67% 69% 40% 34% 8% 7% 35% 46%

5 26% 18% 7% 6% 52% 65% 41% 27% 7% 7% 41% 53%

For Students Who Attended Head Start/Early Childhood: • Of 188 third grade students, 56 graduated from HS/EC • Of 176 fourth grade students, 48 graduated from HS/EC • Of 188 fifth grade students, 27 graduated from HS/EC

Met or Exceeded Met or Exceeded 0-29% 30-39% National Norm 0-29% 30-39% National Norm

MATH READING



FOUR-YEAR-OLD KINDERGARTEN PROGRAM

Our Third YearThe 2012-2013 school year was the third year of the four-year-old Kindergarten (4K) program in Merrill Area Public Schools. 4K is offered in over 85% of the school districts in the State of Wisconsin. Participation is voluntary for 4-year olds at no charge.

MAPS 4K uses the community-based approach, which means we have set up 4K centers in existing agencies where young children are already receiving services. This past year MAPS had 4K programs located at St. Francis, Parkside Preschool, New Testament Church School, and Trinity School in addition to Pine River School for Young Learners. This is designed to lessen the transitions and increase learning as students are able to experience the four-year-old curriculum in a place that is comfortable and familiar to the child. All teachers in the 4K program are DPI Certified to teach in Early Childhood classrooms. The half-day program runs five days a week for the same school year as the older children. Bussing is also provided. There is a parent education component provided to compliment the curriculum delivered to the students.

2012-2013 Performance MeasuresThe Early Childhood Environmental Rating Scale (ECERS) requires the use of a trained observer to assess 37 different components of a quality early childhood classroom. It has a world-wide reputation of quality as it’s been translated into 14 languages and is in use in 18 countries. All ten MAPS 4K classrooms were assessed. On a scale of 1 to 7 the average score of the classrooms was 6.38. This score demonstrates the program is “exceeding the norm!”

Parent SurveyAt the conclusion of the school year parents were asked to assess the 4K program on six components. On a scale of 1 to 5, this year, parents rated the MAPS 4K at an average score of 4.65.

New Beginnings Day Care

and Preschool (NTC)

N2519 Hwy K

Merrill, WI 54452

715-536-6855

Parkside Preschool

207 East First Street

Merrill, WI 54452

Trinity Lutheran Preschool

611 West Main Street

Merrill, WI 54452

715-536-7501

St. Francis Elementary

School

1708 East 10th Street

Merrill, WI 54452

715-536-6083


MAPS special education teachers thrive on engaging students by creating a learning environment which fosters academic growth, as well as meeting behavioral needs. Students within the program currently surpass state standards for education received in a regular education environment with special education support. MAPS’ special education program has an above-average graduation rate and a below-average dropout rate. The Special Education Department of Merrill Area Public Schools currently employs 8 speech/language clinicians, 29 teachers and 3 psychologists, and 32 aides.

Merrill Area Public Schools is also home to the CESA 9 Northern Achievement Center (NAC), an alternative education setting for students with Emotional/Behavioral Disabilities. NAC offers intensive behavioral strategies designed to successfully reintegrate the student back to their classroom environment.

During the 2012-13 school year, MAPS contracted with CESA 9 for occupational therapy and CESA 10 for physical therapy, serving approximately 38 students with disabilities.

SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES


Merrill, WI 54452

Pupil Services and Special

Education Director:

Dr. John Sample

PRIMARY DISABILITY 2012-13

Autism 40

Cognitively Disabled 39

Deaf-Blind 0

Emotional Behavioral Disability 54

Hearing Impaired <5

Orthopedically Impaired <5

Other Health Impaired 73

Significant Developmental Delay 7

Specific Learning Disabilities 155

Speech or Language Impaired 131

Traumatic Brain Injury <5

Visually Impaired <5

TOTALS 532


CURRICULUM & INSTRUCTION

The Merrill Area Public School District continues to be a leader in providing a well rounded education for our students. We are proud to provide quality education and programming for all our students and families. The following is a list of work that has been accomplished or is still in progress:

• Adoption and implementation of the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts and math

• Continual training and use of the on-line tool; The Curriculum Companion

• Approval by the school board for adoption and implementation of Reading Street – a balanced literacy program for K through 5th grade

• Continued work in Professional Learning Communities at all buildings

• Adoption of IPAD Programming for Special Ed, Reading Recovery, Speech and Language, and Administrative teams

• Adoption and planning for the one-to-one IPAD pilot for all third grade students at Kate Goodrich Elementary and Washington Elementary School to be implemented the 2013-14 school year.

• Continued refinement of summative and formative assessments at all grade levels

• Development and implementation of Shared Leadership – a district structure designed to encourage collaboration and advancement

of district initiatives

• Development of Interventions, Data, and Scheduling Teams regarding RTI as part of our action plans for the installation of RTI

• Continued development of transcripted courses in the high school

• Bridges to Learn Charter School is fully established and servicing 400+ students

• Planning and training for the implementation of the state mandated Educator Effectiveness Project pilot

• Continued use of Compass-Odyssey Software to accentuate the NWEA MAP Test. Students now have computer assisted programming to correspond to the results from their assessment data

• Continued development and implementation of a district mentoring program for 35+ new teachers

• Weekly technology courses offered to our staff - once again over 400 teachers attended various classes


Merrill, WI 54452

Director of Curriculum

and Instruction:

Dr. Michele Jahnke


ADVANCED PLACEMENT TESTING

ACT TESTING RESULTSPARTICIPATION NUMBERS

SUBJECT STUDENTS PERCENTAGE WITH 3 OR BETTER

Calculus AB 9 67%

English Language & Composition 12 58%

English Literature & Composition 33 52%

Physics C: Mechanics 4 0%

Psychology 38 95%

Statistics 14 43%

Studio Art: Drawing 8 100%

US Government and Politics 7 71%

US History 2 50%

TOTAL ENROLLMENT GRADE 12

NUMBER TESTED

PERCENTAGETESTED

AVG SCORE(COMPOSITE)

2011-12 302 127 42.1% 21.9

2010-11 302 131 43.4% 23.3

2009-10 278 131 47.1% 22.3

2008-09 299 140 45.9% 21.7

2007-08 300 139 46.3% 21.9

2006-07 323 142 44.0% 21.7

2005-06 301 154 51.2% 21.7

2004-05 301 143 47.5% 21.7

2003-04 280 118 42.1% 22.5

2002-03 331 158 47.7% 21.9

2001-02 321 150 46.7% 22.1

2000-01 307 164 53.4% 22.6

1999-00 283 130 45.9% 21.7

1998-99 286 141 49.3% 23.1

The Advanced Placement (AP) Test is designed by the College Board of Princeton, New Jersey. The programming allows 9th through 12th graders to earn college credit while still in high school.

ACT results are provided for public school students in grade 12 who took the ACT either as juniors or seniors. In the 2004-05 school year, there were significant changes implemented in WI student enrollment collections. As a result, the enrollment data for that year may not be comprehensive, so these test participation rates should be interpreted with caution.

Swimming ..............15Girls Basketball ......34Girls Soccer ............41Tennis......................37Girls Track ...............43Softball ...................35Spirit Squad ...........30Volleyball ................32Baseball ..................40Boys Basketball ......41Boys Soccer ............36Boys Track .............88Football ...................99Golf .........................20Hockey ....................18Wrestling ................69Cross Country ........36Debate .....................10Forensics ................16Kemo .........................8Fall Play ..................43Natl. Honor Society .32Skills USA .................8FBLA ........................45Musical ...................45FFA ..........................52Student Council .....20Solar Olympics .........0Art Club ...................30Special Olympics ...12

2012-13 results not available until August 2013.

*2012-13 data.


ATTENDANCE RATES

TRUANCY RATES

Attendance is face-to-face instructional contact between a student and a teacher. It is collected for the entire school year. The attendance rate is actual days of attendance divided by possible days of attendance, expressed as a percentage. The smallest reportable unit of attendance is one-half days.

A habitual truant is defined by Wisconsin state statute as a student who is absent from school without an acceptable excuse for part or all of five or more days on which school is held during a semester. Habitual truancy is reported for grades K-12. The rate is the number of truants divided by the K-12 enrollment, counted on the third Friday in September.

1996-97 1997-98 1998-99 1999-00 2000-01 2001-02 2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12

1996-97 1997-98 1998-99 1999-00 2000-01 2001-02 2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09 2009-10 2010-11 2011-12

97

96.5

96

95.5

95

94.5

94

93.5

93

50

45

40

35

30

25

20

15

10

5

0


Reading Language Mathematics Science Social Studies


WISCONSIN KNOWLEDGE AND CONCEPTS EXAM-CRITERION 2012-13

3.6%

2.0%

6.0% 3.5%

18.5%

12.9%

6.7% 10.5% 11.8%

22.9%

20.9%

16.3%6.6%

21.1%

14.4% 11.9%

45.4%

38.8%

33.6%10.1% 7.6%

47.6%

32.8%

59.6%

58.4%

30.7%

7.2%3.0%

48.2%

38%

19.3%

26.9%

60.1%

19.9%

34.3%

36.7%

25.4% 33.8%

1.3%

12.9%

12.2%

40.3% 47.9%

9.6%

17.4%

12.6%

3.0%10.8%

46.8%

52.2%48.8%

32.8%

33.3%

45.4%

37.0% 30.7%

19.7%

16.4%

5.5%

32.8%


100

80

60

40

20

0

100

80

60

40

20

0

100

80

60

40

20

0

10TH GRADE RESULTS

8TH GRADE RESULTS

4TH GRADE RESULTS Performance Level Advanced Proficient Basic Minimum


COMPARABLE DATA FOR WKCE PERFORMANCE

Merrill Area DC Everest Marshfield Stevens Point Wausau Wisconsin Rapids



100

80

60

40

20

0

100

80

60

40

20

0

100

80

60

40

20

0

10TH GRADE RESULTS

8TH GRADE RESULTS

4TH GRADE RESULTSPerformance Level Merrill Area DC Everest Marshfield Stevens Point Wausau Wisconsin Rapids 63

66

61

69

72

64

76

72

69

71

67

68

67

65

64

71

63

65


2012 -2013 FACILITIES & MAINTENANCE PROJECTSMERRILL HIGH SCHOOL • Installed new carpet in school office

and guidance department

JEFFERSON ELEMENTARY• Constructed two rooms for specialists

• Installed a new fire alarm system

KATE GOODRICH ELEMENTARY• Installed new light fixtures in the

library and main entrance

• Installed new playground equipment

• Constructed outdoor classroom

WASHINGTON ELEMENTARY• Installed new unit vents with motion

controls in classrooms

PINE RIVER SCHOOL FOR YOUNG LEARNERS

• Installed a playground fence

• Installed a fence around septic tanks

• Installed a new entrance door at the north end entrance

• Remodeled Pine River School into Pine River School for Young Learners

• Removed stage

• Added cabinets and sinks to classrooms

• Installed new boiler and HVAC system, new fire alarms and new electrical panel

• Remodeled bathrooms

• Relocated the main office

Central Office1111 North Sales Street Merrill, WI 54452 715-536-4581

Merrill High School1201 North Sales Street Merrill, WI 54452715-536-4594

Prairie River Middle School106 North Polk StreetMerrill, WI 54452715-536-9593

Jefferson Elementary School1914 West Jackson Street Merrill, WI 54452715-536-5432

Kate Goodrich Elementary School505 West 10th StreetMerrill, WI 54452715-536-5233

Maple Grove School290 Highway FHamburg, WI 54411715-536-7684

Pine River School for Young LearnersW4165 State Highway 64Merrill, WI 54452715-536-2392

Washington Elementary School1900 East 6th StreetMerrill, WI 54452715-536-2373

Merrill Adult Diploma Academy1101 North Mill StreetMerrill, WI 54452715-536-1431

Community-Based Four-Year-Old Preschool 1111 North Sales StreetMerrill, WI 54452715-536-2392

Wisconsin Rural Virtual Academy1111 North Sales StreetMerrill, WI 54452715-536-4581

MERRILL AREA PUBLIC SCHOOLS

MERRILL AREA PUBLIC SCHOOLS 1111 N. Sales Street, Merrill, WI 54452

2013-14 DISTRICT CALENDARSeptember 2Labor Day No School

September 3First day of school

November 4 Staff Development No School

November 27-29 Thanksgiving Recess

December 23 Start of winter break

January 2School resumes

January 24 Teacher Work Day

February 21 Teacher Inservice No School

March 17 Start of spring break

March 24 School resumes

April 4 Staff Development No School

April 18Good Friday No School

May 26 Memorial Day No School

May 30 High School Graduation

June 6Last day of school

2013-14 BOARD OF EDUCATIONEugene BondioliBoard Member505 S California StreetMerrill, WI 54452(715) [email protected] ends 2014

Brad GeissPresidentW5502 Ash DriveMerrill, WI 54452(715) [email protected] ends 2014

Loretta BaughanBoard MemberN1166 High Ridge RoadMerrill, WI 54452(715) [email protected] ends 2014

Kelly CollinsBoard MemberN4243 Schielke RoadGleason, WI 54435(715) [email protected] ends 2015 Jen SeligerClerk12522 3rd LaneHamburg, WI 54411(715) [email protected] ends 2015

Brad KanitzBoard MemberW8187 Cedar RoadMerrill, WI 54452(715) [email protected] ends 2015

Nubs AshbeckTreasurer1808 Jackson StreetMerrill, WI 54452(715) [email protected] ends 2016

John ShullVice PresidentN1211 High RidgeMerrill, WI 54452(715) [email protected] ends 2016 VacantBoard Member

2012-13 maps state of the district

Documents

district report2012

premier district

ongoing districtlevel

districtdear community

engaged community

exceptional staff

excellent staff

interim superintendenta