26 | ACTON-BOXBOROUGH REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT | ANNUAL REPORT 2025–2026
Merriam Elementary School nurtures curiosity and creativity through hands-on, project-based learning in a supportive, inclusive community, helping students grow as confident, compassionate learners and community members. CURRICULUM HIGHLIGHTS: • Literacy: Continued implementation of the EL Education literacy curriculum was supported through collaborative planning, instructional coaching, and professional learning. • Science: This year, Merriam teachers partnered with the STEAM coach to implement OpenSciEd units of study. This year-long focus included professional learning, collaborative co-teaching, and hands-on lessons promoting scientific inquiry, critical thinking, and student engagement. • Flex Blocks: Daily Flex Blocks across grade levels provided targeted literacy and mathematics instruction based on ongoing cycles of student data and individual learning needs. • Project-Based Learning: Project-based learning experiences enrich the curriculum by encouraging students to investigate authentic questions, collaborate with peers, and share their learning with real audiences through projects, presentations, and exhibitions. As part of their science and social studies work, fourth-grade students designed National Park Visitor Centers featuring biome murals and interactive exhibits highlighting an animal they researched. Third-grade students investigated endangered species, created digital books, and partnered with ABRHS students to explore biodiversity and factors affecting endangered animals. • Social Emotional Learning: Merriam’s Instructional Leadership Team continued to strengthen schoolwide social-emotional learning by deepening Responsive Classroom practices and classroom behavior supports. Students participated in weekly Second Step lessons, develop- ing a shared language and skills for self-awareness, perspective-taking, relationship building, and problem-solving.
Christina Gavin PRINCIPAL Kaitlyn Angulo ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL
Merriam Core Values • Respect • Risk taking • Persistence in one’s own learning
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