Merrill Area Public Schools

06/01/2026

06/01/2026

☀️ MERRILL AREA PUBLIC SCHOOLS DISTRICT OFFICE SUMMER OFFICE HOURS ☀️

Mondays – 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Tuesdays – 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Wednesdays – 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Thursdays – 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Fridays – CLOSED

These hours are effective June 1, 2026. Regular office hours are planned to resume on Monday, August 24, 2026.

05/28/2026

Playing is learning! Enjoy these great pictures from PRSYL's last day of school!

05/28/2026

A huge shout out and congratulations to Kathy Ollhoff, who has been in the district for 40 years!!

Kathy shared, "Over forty years, some of my favorite memories are working with the best of the best Principals/Administrators, along with their staff. Just to name a few: Gene Bebel, Bob Opsahl, Sharon Olszewski, Tim Micke, Larry Theiss, Lanny Tibaldo and many more. Along with meeting and working with so many students and their families, both at school and out and about. Watching "my" students go through the district and then their children come through. Or enjoying "my" first-third graders, and then working again with them in high school. I will especially remember "my" student aides/helpers in which I very much appreciated what they all did and enjoyed working with. I am very blessed to have been able to work with all the different age groups of students and in each of the different district level buildings, along with the experiences of the many diverse support staff positions I held. Each position was unique and rewarding at the same time."

When asked what she will miss the most, Kathy said, "Working with some wonderful coworkers that have since become lifelong friends. Learning, especially from the students, the continued revolving fads, fashion and lingo. And I can't forget SNO, GYM and GOAT YOGA. I'm sure my clubs will continue!"

Kathy added, "I started as a Food Server at Jefferson Elementary, then the old High School where I was a Cook. As my children got older, I decided to go full days and became a teacher aide at Franklin Elementary, which then became Kate Goodrich Elementary. I then moved to the Jr. High/newer MHS as a Library Aide until that position was cut due to the budget. I was able to move on to PRMS as a Sped Aide and work one on one with a VERY special little girl. Finally the job I really was hoping for was the MHS Attendance Secretary job held by Mrs. Schenzel until she retired. I applied right away and was qualified for the position. Thanks to the many clerical and secretarial classes I received during my high school years through one of the best Business Ed teachers ever, Mrs. Joyce Batchelder!"

That is a lot of service and dedication to the students in the Merrill Area! Congratulations, Kathy!

05/26/2026

A huge congratulations to phy ed teacher, Lisa Handlin, who is retiring from MAPS at the end of this school year!

Lisa says her favorite memories are, "The excitement the kids bring into the gym every day. The hilarious, completely unfiltered comments elementary kids make. School traditions include walking students up to the Punt, Pass, and Kick competition organized by the Knights of Columbus, Moonlight Bowling in the gym, Jump Rope Ninja, field day, teachers vs 4th grade students in kickball, and our Elementary Track Meet."

What Lisa will miss the most is, "Watching the students grow from kindergarten through 4th grade. Seeing students gain confidence with their skills in each unit."

Lisa has been in the Merrill school district for 26 years! Enjoy this next chapter, Lisa!!

05/22/2026

The Good News Project is holding an upcoming Electronics Recycling Event and all proceeds will be donated to Merrill Area Public School’s “The Nest.”

📅 Event Details
Friday, June 5 | 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Saturday, June 6 | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

📍 Location:
Merrill Festival Grounds – Sell Building
Sales Street Entrance, Merrill, WI

The event provides community members with an opportunity to responsibly recycle unwanted electronics. Please note there is a recycling fee of $0.49 per pound.

Proceeds from the event will support Merrill Area Public School’s The Nest and the Good News Project.

Volunteers are also needed so if you are interested and available to help please contact Rouleen at the Good News Project at 715-843-5985 ext 5 or [email protected]

For additional information:
🌐 www.goodnewswi.com
📞 715-843-5985

Thank you for supporting our students and community initiatives!

05/21/2026

A huge congratulations to Sheila Drury, who retired from MAPS this year!

Sheila's favorite memory is, "My favorite memory would take me back to the maiden year of BVA...August 2012. I was hired just two weeks prior to the start of the school year, joining a BVA staff of only six employees (myself, four teachers and Mr. Hagemeister). Our first office was an empty classroom with a couple of student-sized 'tablet desks' and a traditional, landline phone. Mr. Hagemeister had recently begun placing orders for individualized curriculum (per student) via each BVA family's curriculum request form. Those shipments were now arriving in boxes upon boxes in bulk...left to us five to unbox, separate by which-student-ordered-what, and re-ship accordingly to the appropriate student/family residential address. Our student count for the maiden year was close to 400 students ~ residing at approximately 200 different residential addresses. Piles of additional order requests had accumulated in the 'to-be-ordered' basket (with more order forms coming in on a daily basis!) which eventually resulted in all six of us vigorously placing curriculum orders! The overall plan was based on a great vision...fruition was now contingent on us six to make that happen! Little did we know then that BVA, its concept and its professionalism would grow exponentially in the ensuing years to come."

When asked what she will miss the most, Sheila said, "I will certainly miss my fellow co-workers AND countless BVA families. One would think working virtually would minimize the camaraderie formed...so NOT true! I will also miss being instrumental in making a difference for hundreds of families across the state of WI who rely and commit to BVA with the futures of their most prized possession(s)..their child(ren). I sincerely loved every obstacle and every success while working for BVA!"

Sheila spent all of her almost 14 years at MAPS at the Bridges Virtual Academy. We are so happy for you, Sheila, and wish you the very best!!

05/19/2026

🌟 Congratulations to Caroline, our May MHS Youth Optimist of the Month! 🌟

Nominated by Ms. Taylor McFarlane, Caroline was recognized for her hard work, determination, leadership, and positive attitude. She continually pushes herself to improve, encourages her teammates, and serves as a strong role model both on and off the field.

Caroline is actively involved in swim, track and field, wrestling, marching band, jazz band, Student Council, Tri-M Honors Society, and Wind Ensemble, where she serves as first chair trumpet and trumpet section leader.

Great job, Caroline! Best of luck in your future endeavors 👏💙

05/19/2026

We would like to congratulate Holly Finnell on her retirement after 28 years in the district!

When asked what her favorite memory was, Holly said, "While there are too many memories to have a favorite, the many years with hundreds of wonderful students will go with me into my retirement. I will most miss my coworkers. I have had the privilege of working with an amazing group of people over my 28 school years at MAPS as a special education teacher both at MHS and BVA. "

We are excited for Holly in this next chapter! Please help us in wishing her the best!

05/18/2026

May is Speech & Language month (USA) and today is National Speech and Language Day!

A huge shout-out to these Speech & Language pathologists who help play an important role in supporting our students each and every day!

We appreciate all that you do!