Kris Alston from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northcentral Wisconsin also presented recognition to the MAPS Student Support Team (Erin Bahlow-Ingersoll, Mary Jo Beyer, Laura Clabots-Forster, Grant Dahlke, Jessica Frick, Sarah Grunenwald, Tara Hannemann, Casey Hanson, Kasie Holt, Miranda Johnson, Sara Klebenow, Trina Knospe, Bree Kratz, Trisha Kubichek, Toni Moldenhauer, Kelli Morgan, Christy Nowinsky, and Jason Wadzinski) for receiving the 2025 Community Partner Award. This team goes above and beyond for their Littles and Organization – from the amazing partnership with the SPARK Program to the incredible partnership with Pine Crest Nursing Home Bigs and Washington Elementary Littles! And of course, all of the referrals and support we receive from the entire team. Thank you for your support! #WeAreMAPS

At last night's board meeting, Kris Alston from Big Brothers Big Sisters recognized Noah Klug. Noah is the recipient of the 2025 School Based Big of the Year for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northcentral Wisconsin. Noah Klug, a MHS Junior, has been volunteering as a School-Based Big Brother since December 2022. Noah is currently participating as a Big Brother to two different Littles at Kate Goodrich Elementary School. This is not typical and has happened because of what an amazing Big Brother and Mentor Noah has been through his time working with BBBS. He has been observed consistently going above and beyond with his mentorship with his Little. In January, Noah was asked by staff to consider taking on a second match for another Little in the BBBS program. Noah didn't hesitate, instead called the BBBS Match Specialist immediately to see if he could take on this second commitment. Noah's sense of responsibility and his kindness has been evident in each of his weekly meetings with his Littles. It has been wonderful and heartwarming to watch both of these matches grow as both one on one mentor relationships continue to thrive into great positive experiences for all involved. Thank you, Noah, for changing lives in the Merrill School District. #WeAreMAPS

🎉 Congratulations to our Merrill High School Youth Apprentices! 🎉 These outstanding students have earned their Certificate of Occupational Proficiency from the State of Wisconsin for the 2024–2025 school year! We’re proud of their hard work, dedication, and the valuable experience they’ve gained through the Youth Apprenticeship Program. 👏 Way to go, Bluejays! 💙 #WeAreMAPS

Please join us in congratulating Steve “Bummer” Weix on his upcoming retirement at the end of this school year! Bummer spent 20 years as a K-3 Special Education Teacher/IDS at Mosinee Elementary School before returning to his hometown, where he’s spent the past 12 years teaching High School Special Education/IDS here at MAPS. As he looks ahead to retirement, Bummer says, “I will do All those Things, That Give Me A Smile & Make Me Happy…” Thank you, Bummer, for your years of care, dedication, and impact on students. We wish you nothing but joy in the adventures ahead! 🎉 #WeAreMAPS #WeAreMAPS

🎉 Please help us congratulate our May Youth Optimist Award winners — Austin Depies and Haylea Drabek! Your leadership, positivity, and dedication make us proud. Way to go! 👏 #WeAreMAPS

📦 End-of-Year Food Drive – May 12–23 Help us support local students and families facing food insecurity this summer by donating non-perishable food items. 🧡 Drop-off at: MHS, PRMS, Washington, or Kate Goodrich 🍎 Suggested items: Canned fruits/veggies, peanut butter, pasta, rice, canned meats, cereal, shelf-stable milk, and more. If your family could benefit from this program, please contact your school’s social worker. Every item makes a difference—thank you for supporting our school community! 💙 #WeAreMAPS

📚✨ Congratulations to the 2025 MHS National Honor Society Inductees! The Viola Holt Chapter held its annual Induction Ceremony on Wednesday, May 7 in the MHS LMC. We’re proud to welcome these outstanding students and celebrate their commitment to scholarship, leadership, service, and character. 👏 A special thank you to our senior officers for your dedication and leadership this year! Inductees: Olivia Barker, Adison Clark, Avery Frisch, Hazeley Gates, Grace Hoff, Addison Jirovec, Brenna Jirovec, Hannah Klinger, Noah Klug, Korina Kraegenbrink, Abbie Krueger, Mark Marvin, Greta Peterson, Derek Schult, Layla Schmidt, Remington Skic, Lauren Zuelsdorff Not Pictured: Erik Grunenwald 2025 Officers: President – Jazi Severt Vice President – Keeley Benedict Secretary – Emily Winter Treasurer – Theo Johnson Historian – Ronan Van De Weerd

🎉 On May 7, the Merrill High School Youth Apprenticeship Program celebrated its Student Stars at a special banquet at the Eagle's Club! Out of 93 students in the program this year, 12 were recognized for going above and beyond in building career readiness skills. 👏 A new "Mentor of the Year" award was also introduced and presented to Greg Gressens of Brickner’s Park City for his dedication and mentorship since the program's start. Congratulations to all our Youth Apprentices and a big thank you to our business partners for helping students build bright futures! Contact Linda Murray or Steve Hintze, Youth Apprenticeship Coordinators at 715-536-4594 for more information or if students or businesses would like to participate in the program next school year. #WeAreMAPS #YouthApprenticeship

After 30 years of dedication to MAPS, Doug Iwen is retiring at the end of this school year! Doug has taught High School Social Studies his entire career in our district! When asked about his favorite memory, Doug shared, "Seeing students’ differing personalities outside of the classroom—like working with students when preparing for Homecoming." What will he miss the most? Doug said, "The day-to-day challenges of trying to explain things so students can relate to the material and understand it better—along with the interaction with the students." Doug, thank you for three decades of inspiring, educating, and connecting with students. We wish you the very best in your next adventures! 🎉 #WeAreMAPS

💙🩺 Happy School Nurse Day! | May 7 🩺💙 Today we celebrate and thank our incredible school nurses for the care, compassion, and calm they bring to our schools every day. Whether it's a scraped knee, a comforting word, or managing complex health needs, our nurses are always there to support students and staff. Thank you for being the heartbeat of student wellness and for all you do to keep MAPS healthy and thriving! #WeAreMAPS

On a recent episode of Bluejay Radio’s Community Scan, Director of Finance Mark Powell shared updates on several key topics: 🧾 State Budget & District Budget Development The Wisconsin Supreme Court recently upheld the $325 per-pupil revenue cap increase, but future state funding remains uncertain. With a Democratic governor and a Republican legislature, there could be extended debate—and final decisions may not come until fall. For now, MAPS is moving forward with a status quo approach to budgeting. 👩‍🏫 Hiring Update MAPS has had a strong hiring season, filling roles such as an instructional coach, Tech Ed teacher, Special Ed aide, two health aides, and clerical support at MADA (Merrill Adult Learning Academy). The District is hopeful for a stable staffing outlook with no major year-end resignations. 🚌 New Busing Contract for 2025–26 Wendorf is exiting the transportation business. Starting in 2025–26, Kobussen—a company based in the Fox Valley with service in Shawano and Marshfield—will take over. Transition planning is underway, and no major changes are expected in the first year. 📣 Additional Announcements Spring sports are in full swing Community Education classes launched this spring, and the team is planning the fall catalog—contact Angie Drew if you’re interested in teaching a class Special School Board meeting on April 28 to elect officers MHS Graduation is May 23 Last day of school is May 30 You can listen to the interview here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IDcfenYd8BYLT7NLrKK_oIrYeG36vPtM/view?usp=sharing #WeAreMAPS

🌟Custodial/Maintenance Employee of the Month🌟 🎉Congratulations to Al Galarza🎉 Al does a great job at PRMS. He is friendly and always willing to help out wherever he can. He is a hard worker and always has a good attitude. - Nate L. Thank you, Al, for your hard work and commitment!💙👏 #WeAreMAPS

🍎✨ National Teacher Appreciation Week | May 5–9 ✨🍎 This week, we celebrate and honor the heart of our schools—our amazing teachers! 💙 Your passion, creativity, and commitment to students make a difference every single day. To all of our educators across MAPS: thank you for inspiring minds, shaping futures, and leading with heart. We appreciate you today and every day! Drop a comment to shout out a teacher who’s made an impact in your life! 👇 #WeAreMAPS

🍎🥪 Happy School Lunch Hero Day! 🦸‍♀️🦸‍♂️ Today we celebrate the amazing school nutrition staff who fuel our students with healthy meals, warm smiles, and incredible care—every single day! From early mornings to busy lunch lines, your hard work does not go unnoticed. Thank you for being real-life heroes in our schools! 💙 #WeAreMAPS #SchoolLunchHeroDay

📚🍎 Happy National Principal’s Day! 🎉 Today, we recognize and thank the incredible leaders who guide, support, and inspire our students and staff every day. 💙 Join us in celebrating our amazing principals ! Thank you for the heart, leadership, and dedication you bring to your schools every single day! 🌟 #WeAreMAPS

It’s hard to believe we’re already in the final month of the school year! As we move through May, we want to thank our students, staff, families, and community for another incredible year of learning, growth, and partnership. 🎓 From end-of-year celebrations and graduations to final projects and field trips, this month is packed with opportunities to reflect, recognize, and wrap up the year strong. 📅 A reminder that the last day of school for students is early release on Friday, May 30th. Let’s finish these final weeks with positivity, purpose, and BlueJay pride! Thank you for being an essential part of our Merrill Area Public Schools community. We are already looking forward to the 2025–26 school year and all the possibilities ahead! 💙📘 #WeAreMAPS

🎉👏 Congratulations, Maya! 👏🎉 Please join us in recognizing Maya Paulus, our April Youth Optimist of the Month! Maya was selected for this honor because of her positive attitude, strong character, and commitment to making a difference in her school and community. 🌟 Way to go, Maya—we're proud of you! 💙 #WeAreMAPS

Last night, newly elected School Board members Paul Proulx, Jon Smith, and Jacqueline Gremler recited the oath of office for their 2025–2028 term. Please join us in thanking them for their commitment to serving the MAPS community! #WeAreMAPS

🎙️ Superintendent Shannon Murray on Bluejay Radio! Superintendent Shannon Murray recently joined Bluejay Radio's Community Scan to give a recap of the most recent Regular Board of Education Meeting, including recognition, budget, and upcoming events. Tune in here to stay informed and connected with what's happening at MAPS: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FD3q0p9wQFm1f8QRtBOzUC_V-3cE7MZD/view?usp=sharing https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FEJkDEjme3ZZHkolayRb85CGDd5aFXkH/view?usp=sharing #WeAreMAPS

Mrs. Hass’s 4th grade class was invited to IncredibleBank yesterday to participate in Teach Kids to Save Day. Students were given a tour of the bank and participated in activities designed to help them learn the value of saving money. Each student was given their own piggy bank to encourage them to start saving even at a young age. A special thanks to IncredibleBank - Merrill’s Manager, Susan Ryman, for the invitation and presentation. #WeAreMAPS