Prairie River Middle School

📣 We’re excited to share that MAPS was recently featured in the 7 Mindsets newsletter! The article highlights a recent visit to Merrill High School and Prairie River Middle School, showcasing how our staff and students are using 7 Mindsets to build positive school culture and empower student leadership. 🌟 We’re proud of the meaningful work happening in our schools and grateful to be recognized for the ways we’re supporting mental health, resilience, and student growth. 📰 Read the full article here: https://7mindsets.com/7-mindsets-in-wisconsin-transforming-school-culture-and-empowering-student-as-leaders/ #WeAreMAPS #7Mindsets

2024-2025 PRAIRIE RIVER MIDDLE SCHOOL 4TH QUARTER HONOR ROLL Eighth Grade Gold: 4.00 Alle Bergh, Ella Bergh, Darby Bonnell, Aaron Collinsworth, Elijah Dymerski, Autumn Genisot, Jaedyn Goetsch, Jase Huston, Mara Kautzer, Aubrey Kromholz, Julio Martinez-Santiago, Mathew Mueller, Payge Osness, Luke Wegner, Dantell Williams Silver: 3.750-3.999 Jaxson Ames, Bethany Crockford, Colton Fox, Mia Hanson, Kassandra Johnson, Andrew Josiger, Logan Klug, Madilyn Klump, Elias Pakonen, Abigail Parks, Korbet Ravn, Evelyn Reinhardt, Michael Schreiber Bronze: 3.50-3.749 Calleigh Berlik, Quinn Block, Ella Burrow, Tanner Carpentier, Henry Chrudimsky, Wil Detert, Lydia Faber, Madilynn Geiss, Emersyn Graap, Jacob Hanson, Brody Johnas, Evelyn Johnson, Aiden Klinger, Willett Knospe, Leo Lazare, Khloe Olson, Kelsey Pankow, Makaylynn Roehl, Easton Romatoski, Kinzie Stevenson, Cadence Stutting, Caylinn Van Der Nest Seventh Grade Gold: 4.00 Emma Daley, Parker Hannemann, Preston Hannemann, Corbin Hanson, Oliver Kahr, Mackenzie Matthias, Emma Myers, Payten Nelessen, Connor Savagian-Demoss, Cooper Schwartzman, Hunter Staskiewicz, Claire Ziebell Silver: 3.750-3.999 Charles Gerbig, Lillyana Haig, Lillian Johnson, Charlee Krueger, Aiden Schultz, Makayla Talerico Bronze: 3.50-3.749 Caelyn Belant, Sylvia Durbin, Elizabeth Hinz, Trevor Kniess, Addilyn Mulrooney, Atreya Stone, Ashton Thom, Kyle Yingling Sixth Grade Gold: 4.00 Emily Austin, Natalie Barnett, Aubrie Brandenburg, Avery Clark, Peyton Corroo, Hadley Fisher, Zachary Gennrich, Adelia Hanson, Claire Hoock, Alexis Jannusch, Brooklyn Johnas, Drew Kaminski, Logan Koehler, Jazalyn Lee, Brea Neubauer Silver: 3.750-3.999 Bentley Graap, Emily Grunenwald, Kennedy Hess, Devon Johnson, Willow Kultgen, Scarlett Lee Bronze: 3.50-3.749 Jannakay Bushar, Aaron Crockford, Kennedy Gerdes, Lily Glisch, Logan Learman, Carter Madden, Rihanna Murray, Cameron Neumann, Kason Randall, Easton White, Tidas Zernicke Fifth Grade Gold: 4.00 Saylor Gates, Makyla Klingsmith, Evelyn Koehler, Kendra Kohnhorst, Braelyn Lau, Joseph Lechmaier, Elaina Literski, Bennett Martinovici, Bristol Orchard, Linzie Pankow, Matthew Quednow, Kelsey Rindt, Ailyn Roberge Silver: 3.750-3.999 Bentley Blake, Jase Coates, Grace Gibson, Samuel Graveen, Raya Osness, Emmanuel Perez, Piper Vanlieshout Bronze: 3.50-3.749 Kenzingtyn Adams, Lincoln Berndt, Liliana Boquist, Sophia Brandt, Greyson Bushar, Liem Christian-Lee, Myla Fraser, Joey Garcia, Graycen Graap, Benjamin Hartwig, Jasmine Isaacson, Olivia Klade, Ian Kufahl, Kiera Mroczenski, Lance Patterson, Gabriella Schoerner, Renlee Schwartzman, Owen Smith, Jasmine Staples, Caleb Stickney

A big thank you to Marcy Cordova, Lindsay Doescher, Hillary Lau, and Megan Sherman for creating this month’s wonderful bulletin boards at Central Office! 📚✨ Their display highlights the incredible work happening in our school libraries and showcases end-of-year data reports. We’re grateful for the dedication and creativity that brings our district’s story to life—one bulletin board at a time! #WeAreMAPS

- 7th Grade End of the Year Trip! - Our amazing 7th graders wrapped up the school year with an exciting trip to Urban Air Adventure Park! From high-flying trampolines to obstacle courses and climbing walls, there was no shortage of fun, laughter, and energy. 😄 It was the perfect way to celebrate all the hard work, growth, and achievements this year. Big thanks to our staff and students for making it a day to remember!

- Fifth Grade End of Year Celebration! - Our amazing 5th graders had a blast at Dale's Weston Lanes, showing off their bowling skills and sharing laughs with friends. We wrapped up the day with a fun movie—what a perfect way to celebrate the end of the year! 💥

- Mt Olympus! - Yesterday the 8th graders had their end of year celebration trip to Mt. Olympus in Wisconsin Dells. Despite some drizzle and cooler weather, fun was had by everyone!! The 8th grade staff would like to wish all of our students

- Spring Bluejay Huddle - On May 9th we had our Spring Assembly! Many Spring clubs and sports were recognized! Thank you to those coaches who came to celebrate with us and those coaches who weren't able to make it but were there in spirit! We had a fun competition of "Head, Shoulders, Knees and Cup!" Students did an awesome job cheering on their classmates! They also did a FANTASTIC job cheering on some of the teachers in our surprise inflatable costume race! Our very own Pink Unicorn (aka Mrs. Dorow) took first place! Thank you to our very own 5th grade team for putting this together!

The rain did not stop Mrs Christian's 5th grade class from exploring the great outdoors! What a fun lesson about water ecology and how to be safe canoeing and kayaking! They didn't catch any turtles, but they did have a special guest, Mr. Murray!

Mrs. Goeden's class was the first 5th grade group to go out to Camp Birch Trails for their spring school forest trip. It was a great day of learning about water ecology, and of course the traditional turtle race. #WeAreMAPS

Dear Merrill Community, We are excited to announce that registration for Summer Swim Lessons at the MAPS Pool is now open! Whether your child is just starting out or looking to improve their swimming skills, our summer classes offer a great opportunity to stay active and safe in the water. To view class schedules and additional details, please visit: 🔗 https://www.mapsedu.org/page/pool-schedule-information Please note: All swim lesson registrations will now be processed through our Community Education program. To sign up, simply create an account on RecDesk and follow the prompts to register. We truly appreciate your continued support of the MAPS Pool and our community programs. Thank you for helping us keep this vital resource thriving for all Merrill families! #WeAreMAPS

- Frank Montano Brings Native Music to Life for Prairie River Middle School Fifth Graders - This past Thursday, fifth graders at Prairie River Middle School experienced a unique and inspiring musical performance. In a special event held in the school cafeteria, Native American musician Frank Montano visited from the Red Cliff Reservation to share his culture and music with the students. Montano, a respected Native Woodland flute player, brought with him an assortment of handmade instruments, each with its own story and sound. His visit was especially meaningful, as his own sons attended Merrill High School during the 1970s and 1980s. Now, 50 years later, Montano returned to the Merrill community to express the importance of preserving Native traditions and sharing Indigenous voices with younger generations. The event was part of a larger unit in Mr. Rethaber’s general music class, where students have been learning about Wisconsin’s diverse musical traditions through a collection called  Down Home Dairyland. This educational resource highlights a wide range of folk and traditional music styles from across the state, helping students connect with local culture through sound. During his presentation, Montano demonstrated the unique tones and textures of his Native Woodland flutes. He captivated the students by imitating animal calls and showing how each instrument is crafted to reflect nature. One of the instruments he used a rain stick made from a Mexican cactus offered an example of how natural materials can be transformed into sound- makers. “I thought it was cool how many different instruments he used and how he played a variety of sounds for us,” said one student. Another fifth grader shared, “I liked the bird musical sound and whistles.” A classmate added, “I really appreciated all the different stories he told.” Montano's performance was more than just a musical demonstration; it was a powerful lesson in cultural respect, creativity, and the value of diversity in education. By bringing traditional Native music to life, he left students with a memorable and meaningful experience that connected history, art, and storytelling.

- Dress like your teacher day! - What a fun way to celebrate teacher appreciation week! #PRMSstrong

- 7 Mindsets - As the season of new beginnings, spring arrived, and our students embraced it with a creative and heartwarming project in the cafeteria! They crafted colorful flowers, each one a unique expression of their artistic spirit. But these weren't just ordinary decorations; upon each petal, the students thoughtfully put the many things, big and small, for which they feel grateful. Now, as they go about their day, everyone in the cafeteria is surrounded by this beautiful display, serving as a constant and gentle reminder of the abundance of blessings in their lives and fostering an Attitude of Gratitude within our school community.

Thank you to Merrill Walmart for donating cupcakes, a new Keurig and (hopefully) enough coffee to get us to the end of the year! ☕️ We appreciate the generosity during teacher appreciation week!

For Teacher Appreciation Week, we’re excited to celebrate the incredible educators who make a difference every day. Today, we want to shine a spotlight on our dedicated 5th grade teaching team, whose passion and commitment inspire our students to reach new heights. Thank you for all you do!

- Teacher Appreciation Week - Shoutout to our wonderful 6th, 7th and 8th grade student council members for surprising our teachers this morning! It was a lovely breakfast! Great way to start a Monday!!

- 8th Grade Law Fair - On NationalLaw Day, 8th grade students had the exciting opportunity to attend the Law Expo, where they explored a wide range of legal fields and careers. The event featured a diverse group of presenters representing various areas of law, including criminal, civil, environmental, corporate, and family law. Students engaged in interactive sessions, asked thoughtful questions, and gained insight into the many roles within the justice system. The experience broadened their understanding of how laws shape society and sparked curiosity about potential future careers in the legal field. Head on over to WJFW's website to watch our news story! https://www.wjfw.com/10pm-newscast/video_4fa84a28-e7b3-515e-9587-0e6800f15a2f.html

Not all heroes wear capes! 🦸🏼‍♀️ 🙌🏻

- Tattoo the Teacher - On Wednesday students got to see their teachers all "tatted" up, all because they donated to the Bluejay Nest! Overall, students donated $197, which will go directly to helping our students here at school! Our Bluejay Nest provides essentials for students to be their best at school!

👏🏻 A huge Thank You to Mrs. Schultz today on Principal Appreciation Day! 👏🏻