| Clubs, Programs & Competitions | |
Programs |
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| Choir | |
| Choir is offered in 5th and 6th grades as an extracurricular activity. Choir rehearses after school on Mondays. Many opportunities are given for individual and group creativity performances. | |
| Band & Orchestra | |
| Band and Orchestra are offered to the 6th grade students. They receive daily instruction from secondary school band or orchestra teachers. | |
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Self Manager A Self-Manager is a student who manages his/her behavior by following the expectations of Merriman Park Elementary. More information... |
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| Outdoor Learning Center | |
| In 2006, Merriman Park dedicated its unique Outdoor Learning Center (OLC). After 7 years and over $150,000 in PTA fundraising, this incredible educational outlet was opened. In 2007, with funds from the auction, the PTA hired former Kindergarten teacher, Sheridan Stringer as a part time dedicated staff member to teach lessons in the OLC. Each grade level has completed lessons in the OLC and has participated in the upkeep of the grounds. The OLC has given MPE an incredible educational treasure that is unique to Lake Highlands. | |
| REACH | |
| REACH is a
part of the RISD's Advanced Academic Studies Department. REACH addresses the needs of the gifted and talented student by offering a differentiated curriculum focusing on critical thinking, analytical thinking, creativity, and independent learning. Those students identified as gifted and talented may attend REACH classes beginning in Kindergarten. Primary REACH classes are held in grades 1 through 3, and Intermediate REACH encompasses grades 4 through 6. Primary REACH classes are held on the MPE campus for 2 hours once a week. Intermediate REACH is housed at Skyview Elementary all day one day per week. A bus picks students up at 7:45 a.m. for transport to Skyview with a return to MPE at 2:30 p.m. Any student who wishes to attempt to qualify for REACH may do so. The school counselor is the campus contact. Please watch the Wednesday envelopes to learn when upcoming REACH referrals are taking place. RISD REACH Webpage |
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| QUEST (Gifted Program) | |
| An
enrichment program for identified second grade students called
QUEST, (Quality Experiences Supporting Talent), will give students
an opportunity to demonstrate their gifted behaviors through the
development of a portfolio which, in conjunction with standardized
test results, may support future placement in REACH. All students
are tested during the Spring semester of their first grade year.
Qualifying students meet with the QUEST teacher once a week for one
and a half hours. RISD QUEST Webpage |
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| Sky Ranch for 5th Graders | |
| Each year
fifth grade students have the opportunity to attend Sky Ranch with
parent chaperones and teachers. Sky Ranch is a three day program in
which students spend two nights in cabins. Sky Ranch is located in
East Texas near the town of Van. The Sky Ranch curriculum provides a
unique opportunity for students to learn about science in an
experiential way. Trips have typically been in the month of October.
Information will be sent in Wednesday envelopes and parent meetings
will be held prior to the trip. A link to a website describing the different programs/courses during the fifth graders' stay: RISD Sky Ranch. |
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| Safety Patrol | |
| Safety Patrol is an extracurricular opportunity for those students in 6th grade who meet all criteria. These students assist in providing safe crossing of walkways, flags raising and monitoring of students arrival and dismissal in addition to any other assigned duties by the safety patrol sponsor. Students apply at the end of their 5th grade year or upon enrollment as a 6th grader. | |
| Peer Mediators | |
| These students are selected by the teachers based on a specific list of criteria. Peer Mediators serve as non-partisan third parties who help students talk out their problems and come to a win/win solution. | |
| 6th Grade Pals | |
| This popular program pairs each sixth grader in the school with a “pal” in the first grade. There are several activities during the year for first and sixth grade pals. During December the sixth graders brought favorite holiday books and read to their first grade pals while enjoying cookies and hot chocolate. The sixth graders will also give various cards and encouraging notes to their pal throughout the year. | |
| Marathon Kids | |
| Bluebonnet Reading Program | |
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Clubs |
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| BETA Club |
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| The National
Beta Club is a non-profit, leadership service organization for grades 5-12. It’s purpose is to stimulate effort, reward achievement, promote those qualities of character that make for good citizenship, and to encourage and assist its members to continue their education after high school. Members must maintain a grade average of 85 or higher and an “A” in Citizenship. |
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| Chess Club | |
| The Chess
Club is open too all students at MPE and meets after school most
Tuesdays from 3:00 - 3:45 PM in the Learning Link (Library). The club is sponsored by our Counselor David Ray and MPE Dad Reg Combs. |
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| Step Club | |
| Step Club is open to all fourth, fifth and sixth graders who are interested in representing MPE. MPE step Club practices once a week and performs at Panther PRide rallies, step club competitions and for primary classes. | |
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Competitions |
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Science Fair |
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Spelling Bee |
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Invention Convention |
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Lone Star Challenge |
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Arts in Education |
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Non-School
Programs |
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Girls Scouts |
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Boy Scouts |
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