Merrill Enrichments 2023-2024

Merrill Enrichment allows students to take classes that interest them or a topic they want to learn more about. Enrichments are part of the school day from 3:24-3:50. Students will have 4 enrichment per year, unless they are selected for Student Council or BSA, which are semester-long enrichments. Below are the engaging topics our staff will offer for the 2023-2024 school year.

We have an opportunity to have small group extra support with Ms. DelaRiva for 6th graders. They will have time to ask questions and work on math at the end of the day. Teacher Recommendations for this enrichment.

Do you want some additional time to complete your math assignments with a teacher in a smaller class setting? We will complete missing work from Math class (exit tickets, IXL, Khan Academy) and solidify previously learned topics

Come and join your peers as we watch animated movies of the last decade. We will watch and discuss the theme, characters, and life lessons that are being presented with each move.

Students will research colleges, this will include location, class offerings, extracurricular programs they offer, tuition cost, athletics, and housing. Students will then write a letter to the college they researched. Students will also do a career quiz and look into different careers within their interest areas.

Are you interested in all things basketball?! Join basketball enrichment to explore strategy, teamwork, iconic basketball films, and the rules of the game. We will of course get in the gym and build your own skills like shooting form, ball handling, offensive moves, and defensive principles.

Hair, Makeup, Skin, Nails (Q2 & Q3): Just chit chatting at the salon, don't mind us! Bring your own supplies OR use disposable materials (qtips, cotton balls, etc.) to experiment with new looks! We'll try out new techniques, learn about skin and sun care, and have fun! We will also discuss unrealistic beauty standards and social media.

BSA- This Enrichment is for Black identifying individuals here at Merrill. Together as a class/community we will discuss our experiences, lifestyle, and culture. We will also explore important historical events & important leaders who have made an impact on our community and world. We as a BSA strive to uphold excellence in and out of class, so we will form accountability groups, to ensure that we are being leaders within our school! This is a safe space to come learn & express yourself openly!

In Calm and Quiet Artistry, we open the art room to all things creative and art-related. From fine arts, to writing elements, building and puzzle-making. It is a place where the students can pursue wonderings and questions, while learning to make and create with the creative mind. We keep a quiet and calm studio for students to be able to better engage in the work, and decompress from the day.

Let's close our computers and just be creative. Each week we'll explore different ways to experiment, explore, and create. We'll color crossword puzzles, explore watercolors, create word poems, and build with nature. This class is about taking a break from our computers and just creating something- wherever your creative impulses can take you using the materials provided!

Crochet club Any level of yarn artists are welcome, whether you have never picked up a crochet hook and want to learn, or you are ready to start making your own clothes. Students will be shown the basics of crochet stitches, and be able to leave class with a project like their own hat, scarf, or blankets.

Disc Golf The game is played in more than half of the countries around the world and, as of 2022, there are over 190,000 active members of the PDGA worldwide. This enrichment is offered to 7th and 8th grade students, and will provide the basics and fundamentals for all students that are interested in learning one of the fastest growing sports. Students will participate in weekly disc golf, putting and throwing challenges in order to win prizes. It is like regular golf, but with the added fun of flying discs. Please reach out to Mr.Fields with any questions you may have. *This enrichment is open to 7th & 8th graders only.*

Take time away from your computers and relax while learning the art of friendship bracelet making! Whether you are a beginner or advanced in the art of knots, you will learn to make colorful bracelets. We will start with Chinese Ladders and work through Chevorns, Fishtails, and Heart Friendship bracelets. Come join this camp-inspired enrichment and end your day making art and new friends.

We will read/listen to a novel and then watch the film adaptation of the text. Popcorn included!

Harry Potter Fans of the books and movies are welcome to enjoy this class. We will discuss Potter theories, watch clips from the movies, and make Hogwarts-related crafts, such as our own wands, snitches, and more.

In this Enrichment class, we will watch history documentaries, mostly from PBS and the BBC. We will watch and discuss documentaries about various periods, events, groups, and/or people. Topics for next year include the Apollo Moon Race, the history of Native Americans, World War I, and other various history documentaries.

Homework Club/Study Hall provides students extra time to complete any school work or class assignments.

Students will be working to help the Merrill library to stay in excellent working condition by re shelving books, checking out books to students, etc. Students will learn how to handle very skills needed to work in the library!

is a class where we will explore the practices of meditation (breathing) and yoga (stretching) to see how they can help us feel calm,relaxed, and more in control of our emotions! We will challenge our thinking about these skills and study fun mini-lessons about our brains to learn how they change when we show ourselves kindness. It's like lifting weights for your brain!

Students will explore and learn about the exciting craft of Origami. Origami is more than just paper folding. It builds and maintains important skills related to concentration and hand-eye coordination. Not only that, Origami also benefits mental health and mindfulness. Not to mention the fact that Origami techniques have been used in engineering to develop everything from airbags to meta-materials. Origami is fun, healthy and useful!!

Philanthropy- Students will first learn about philanthropic organizations like Make-a-wish, Mile High United Way, etc. Then, students will work together to decide on a charity they would like to support and create a plan to host a small scale fundraiser at Merrill. We love giving back to our community and supporting others! Kahoot!- Students will have fun creating several kahoots about their passions and interests. We will spend time playing the kahoots that the students make! There will be prizes and a lot of Merrill money to go around!

Students will explore various modes of expression from poetry to songwriting to storytelling. There will be examples from well known to lesser known artists. Students will have the opportunity to perform and receive feedback if they choose.

Poker Fundamentals This course aims to take students from novices who may know nothing about poker to above-average players throughout the quarter. The course will utilize hand examples and discussions of common poker situations to study the fundamentals of the game. Poker's math and game-theoretical aspects will be covered, with practical examples of every concept. Lectures will focus on core concepts in Texas Hold `em, emphasizing cash games. Tournament-specific concepts will also be covered. Other varieties of poker will also be explained and introduced to students wishing to expand their poker skill set.

Do you enjoy puzzles? If yes, come relax and experience a variety of puzzle options such as Jigsaw (1500 pieces), Crosswords, Wordle, and logic. Choose your puzzle fun.

Learn to begin, develop or strengthen your Spanish skills with fun interactive activities at the end of the day

A physical game that combines components of Football, Basketball, and Soccer. Come and join the fun!

In this enrichment, students will explore a variety of topics through the lens of the Engineering Design Process. From structural and electrical engineering to aerospace and rocket science - students will imagine, design and build projects of their own creation. This enrichment focuses on hands-on activities and collaboration with others, with a healthy dose of competition between engineering teams!

Strength & Conditioning: If you want to improve your strength and metabolic conditioning for sports performance or general health and well-being, look no further. We’re going to practice and improve our fitness with body-weight movements such as squats, running, burpees, lunges, push-ups, planks, sit-ups and more, depending on the equipment. Whether you don’t know what a burpee is or you want to get stronger and faster in the sport you’ve been playing for years, you are welcome! It’s all about progress and being better than you were the day before. All workouts can be scaled and adapted.

The Merrill Student Council is looking for energetic, creative, and responsible people who want to develop their skills as leaders and effect positive change in our school. Merrill StuCo is an organization conducted by students and supervised by Mrs.Cleveland during the Enrichment period. Our student council aims to allow students to develop leadership skills by organizing and carrying out school activities and service projects.

In the past, Merrill StuCo has been responsible for planning school dances, the annual Talent Show, school fundraisers, Spirit Week, Award Assembly Videos, and much more!

To participate in Student Council, you will have to keep in good standing with both your academic and behavioral responsibilities as well as be active in all council-sponsored events. Please carefully consider these things before applying. Any student that is interested in leadership, organizational behavior, event planning, or becoming more involved in the school is welcome to apply!

Use WeVideo to make stories and create Merrill's news broadcasting. Learn to develop and share your ideas with the community!

Bump, Set, and Serve your way into becoming an excellent volleyball player. All skill levels are welcome in this class as you go through drills and games to develop your volleyball ability.

Engage in fun drawing challenges and watercolor paintings with a chance to win prizes!