Tomorrow is the Berrien RESA playgroup at Merritt Elementary for kids 0-5.
19 days ago, Brandywine Community Schools
playgroups
Students in second grade celebrated the end of their second CKLA unit last week on Ancient Asian Civilizations! Students rotated through the classrooms, trying their hand at using chopsticks, creating artwork, and making paper crafts.
19 days ago, Brandywine Community Schools
students using chopsticks
students using chopsticks
student with Chinese dragon
students drawing
students drawing
student eating with chopsticks
group of students
Partnership for Children is holding the Not So Haunted Hallway Candy Crawl on Sunday, October 26 at Merritt Elementary. Scan the code below to help out!
20 days ago, Brandywine Community Schools
candy crawl
Looking for the weekend 👀
23 days ago, Brandywine Community Schools
kid looking out binoculars
Students in Ms. Little's DK class are learning the days of the week! They were really hoping today was Friday.
24 days ago, Brandywine Community Schools
students with hands raised
students sitting on rug in classroom
Strike a pose! Merritt Elementary's picture day is Thursday, October 16!
25 days ago, Brandywine Community Schools
Merritt elementary picture day October 16
Our learners in Ms. Gmeiner's DK class, created their very own Leaf Men as part of a book they read - The Leaf Man! They took a nature walk, picking up twigs and leaves for their project, and then came back to the classroom to construct their men! It was a perfect story for fall!

The Leaf Man refers to a children's book by Lois Ehlert. It's a whimsical and visually creative story about a figure made of leaves who is blown away by the wind.
25 days ago, Brandywine Community Schools
students picking up leaves
students picking up leaves
students picking up leaves
little boy holding leaf man
two students around a table
little girl sitting at a table
students around a table in a classroom
Thank you to the Niles Township Fire Department for coming to Merritt Elementary today to teach our students about fire safety!
25 days ago, Brandywine Community Schools
firefighter high fiving a child
kids at fire truck
kids listening to fire fighters
Friday night at the football game was extra adorable! Our Mini Cheerleaders brought the energy to the sidelines with all the spirit, smiles, and sparkle!
27 days ago, Brandywine Community Schools
cheerleader
group of girls cheerleader
cheerleaders
cheerleaders
cheerleaders
cheerleaders
cheerleaders
cheerleaders
cheerleaders
young girl cheerleading
✨ Sensory fun in the making! ✨

Our Merritt Elementary students recently became "Zones of Regulation experts!" To celebrate, they created their own rice sensory bags - the perfect hands-on tool for calming, focusing, and exploring textures.

The Zones of Regulation is a framework designed to help children (and adults!) understand and manage their emotions, energy levels, and behaviors. It uses four color-coded “zones” to make self-regulation easier to recognize and talk about.
27 days ago, Brandywine Community Schools
kids at table with bags of rice
kids sitting at table with bags of rice
two boys getting rice from a bin
Our first graders have been exploring nonstandard units of measurement!

This week in math, they measured objects (and even their friends!) around the room using Unifix cubes. Last week they used craft sticks, so it was fun for them to compare the two and see how the smaller cubes gave them more accurate measurements.
30 days ago, Brandywine Community Schools
student measuring on the ground
students playing with blocks at their desk
student laying on the ground
student laying on the ground
Second graders in Ms. Reed's class had a special ice cream party the other day! They met their class behavior goals and celebrated with ice cream outside. Way to go, class!
about 1 month ago, Brandywine Community Schools
group of kids eating ice cream
💡 Did you know? On November 4, Brandywine will have a Sinking Fund Renewal on the ballot.
So, what’s the difference between a Sinking Fund and an Operating Millage?

✔️ Sinking Fund – pays for building repairs, safety improvements, technology, and facility upkeep.
✔️ Operating Millage – pays for day-to-day learning costs like staff, supplies, and classroom needs.

This renewal is not a new tax, though due to the Headlee rollback, less than a full mill (.9913) was levied on properties in 2024, so property owners may see a very slight increase. This is a continuation of existing support for our schools. 🐾
about 1 month ago, Brandywine Community Schools
local school funding breakdown
Check out the October issue of Cat Tracks! https://secure.smore.com/n/8z6tb
about 1 month ago, Brandywine Community Schools
cat tracks

Our "Football Buddies" were recognized at the Homecoming game on Friday! A special thanks to these staff members for supporting our athletes.

Football Buddies is a new program bringing together our athletes and staff! Each player is paired with a Brandywine staff member, checking in with their “buddy” on game days for a quick visit. #thebrandywinedifference

about 1 month ago, Brandywine Community Schools
group of staff members
Were you a member of the 1995 Brandywine Bobcats football team? We want to hear from you! The undefeated football team will be honored at the October 25 home football game at Brandywine Middle/Senior High School. For details and to RSVP, contact Athletic Director David Sidenbender at dsidenbender@brandywinebobcats.org or at 269-683-4800 ext. 3108.
about 1 month ago, Brandywine Community Schools
honoring the undefeated 1995 football team on October 25
It’s time for the Mini & Mighty Catwalk!

Our kindergarteners and seniors will meet at the 50-yard line next week, October 3, for a heartwarming walk that brings together the youngest and oldest Bobcats. A special moment of school spirit, community, and pride you won’t want to miss! 🐾

Kindergarteners should meet by "Nate's rock" between 6 and 6:15 p.m. and the walk will take place at 6:15 prior to the start of the football game.
about 1 month ago, Brandywine Community Schools
mini and mighty catwalk
kindergarteners and seniors

Math Bins in Action!

Our math bins are giving our first grade students the chance to explore math in fun and creative ways! Some bins encourage open-ended exploration, where kids build with materials, notice patterns, and share their thinking during math talks. Other bins are designed for skill practice through games—like recognizing numbers within 20 and matching them to a “10 and more” fact (such as 10 + 5). Students also enjoy activities like Spin and Write, where they practice writing numbers while keeping it playful and engaging. #thebrandywinedifference

Math skills + creativity = a win! 🎲🔢

about 1 month ago, Brandywine Community Schools
little girl spinning a wheel with numbers on it
three little kids playing at a table with fake coins
two little kids playing with building a rubber band pattern
little kid building with dominoes
little girl creating a rubber band pattern
Count Day is Wednesday, October 1!

Each student counted on this day translates into state funding for public school districts. It is crucial for students to attend school on Count Day to ensure their attendance is recorded accurately.

about 1 month ago, Brandywine Community Schools
you count October 1
It’s time for the Mini & Mighty Catwalk!

Our kindergarteners and seniors will meet at the 50-yard line next week, October 3, for a heartwarming walk that brings together the youngest and oldest Bobcats. A special moment of school spirit, community, and pride you won’t want to miss! 🐾

Kindergarteners should meet by "Nate's rock" between 6 and 6:15 p.m. and the walk will take place at 6:15 prior to the start of the football game.
about 1 month ago, Brandywine Community Schools
the mini and mighty catwalk