Merrill

=[|Merrill]=

**PARENTS ARE INVITED... Friday, 3/11/11 at 1:30pm** we present the Spring Merrill Talent Show sponsored by Mrs. Breetz and Dr. Hastings' period 2 Focus class.  **PARENTS ARE INVITED... Friday, 5/05/11 evening... INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL at Merrill!!** =__Merrill Honors Program__= =Applications for grade 6 in the 2011/2012, submitted before the deadline of Feb. 25, 2011, are currently being reviewed. Mr. Weaver will call applicants throughout March. =

 


 * Language Arts




 * Mathematics
 * Grade 6**
 * Grade 7**
 * Grade 8**


 * Science




 * Social Studies



‘The Many Measures in the Student Identification Process’ March, 2011

Dear Parents/Guardians:

This is to inform you that your child may soon be given the Raven’s Test of Progressive Matrices at school. **Every year, this test is given to all students in specific grade levels in Denver Public Schools and is also given to all new district students as one way of assessing educational needs.** It is one of the many measures that can be used in the gifted and talented student identification process that occurs every year.

The Raven’s is non-verbal, un-timed test of visual/spatial reasoning ability. The problems take the form of puzzles, and students generally enjoy this assessment. Your child will work independently. Since the test is not timed, students take as much time as they need to finish the problems. Since it is non-verbal, it does not depend on proficiency in any particular language.

The Raven’s test will be administered at your child’s school during the next few weeks. If your child scores in the 90th percentile or above on this test, you will receive a follow-up letter informing you of the results and explaining possible gifted and talented identification.

If you have any questions concerning this assessment, please contact me.

Sincerely,

Brian Weaver

Gifted and Talented Education Specialist

=**__Mrs. Wilcox's Middle School Computer Science__**=

[|Merrill Technology Website] = = = = =__Scholarships, High School and College__= Dr. Hastings, Merrill School Counselor, 720-423-9370.

Today is March 7, 2011... Grade 8 Folds please act quickly, the deadline is approaching!

Did you know that two college scholarships of $500 each are to be awarded to two outstanding 6th, 7th, and 8th graders on December 11? The HOPE Scholarship will offer two more scholarships per grade level in the spring. Students must do a community service project and write an essay on “F.O.C.U.S.”. We have many students nominated for the academic achievement and most improved student this year! Stay tuned for the winners!
 * Hope Scholarship:**

Our Merrill 8th grade students have been presented with many choices of schools for their freshman year in high school. They have all heard about North High and Thomas Jefferson computer magnet schools for students who have a bent for technology. George Washington and Kennedy International Baccalaureate Schools stress an international curriculum that is great preparation for college. The Career Education Center allows students to experience 8 careers before deciding on one to concentrate on. They offer 21 careers! Denver School for the Arts helps students who excel in dance, music, art, drama, or writing reach their dreams. Finally, the International Studies School combines learning with experiences. Our high school that Merrill sends most of our students to is South. This is an excellent school and has many academics and activities to offer. Two big deadlines are coming that parents and guardians need to be aware of: Deadline for magnet school registration is December 11! An application is required to get into all of these schools. Each school has open houses in the months of November and December.
 * High School Choices:**

The first round of school of choice is early January, and a choice form must be filled out if a student plans on going to any school other than their home high school.

All 8th grade students have started their College in Colorado account online, and have finished a career explorer inventory, which suggests careers in line with their interests and abilities. Each student has also researched several careers on this valuable website. In the spring, students will form 6 year plans and evaluate transcripts!
 * College in Colorado & Career Readiness:**