Annual report 2018–2019 | 17
At Merriam School, experiential, hands-on project-based learning provides opportunities for students to develop skills, self-confidence, a sense of responsibility, and enthusiasm for learning. Math, science, language arts, social studies and the arts are integrated into interesting, challenging projects. Merriam emphasizes community building, supported by activities like our weekly All School Meetings as well as special activities with our multi-age “family groups” like Community Day, Theme Day and Field Day. Students stay with the same family groups throughout their time at Merriam, gradually assuming leadership roles as they progress through the grades. Highlights of the year included: • This was Merriam School’s first year with new principal, Juliana Schneider . • Our theme for the year was water , which was incorporated into projects and activities, including a “Family Theme Night” in February where families explored water through engineering, poetry, painting, math games and storytelling. • Second graders completed projects about islands. • Fifth and sixth graders worked on a Green City Design project. • We added a new technology lab/maker space to support our student learning. • Professional Learning emphasized four social competencies : social self-awareness, perspective taking, self-regulation and social-emotional understanding. • At a parent workshop, parents learned about the social competencies and how they apply to the home setting, allowing families to bridge the language and approach between home and school.
Juliana Schneider Principal Bryant Amitrano Assistant Principal
Merriam Core Values • Risk taking • Persistence in One’s Own Learning • Respect
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