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Pocahontas TAG students showcase MERF innovation at district meeting
Summary
Middle‑school TAG students described MERF (Making Education Right for Students), a proposed middle‑school redesign that won a prize at the Lakeland TAG area innovation fair and includes a four‑day block schedule and 3D‑printed classroom models.
Middle‑school TAG students presented a model called MERF — "Making Education Right for Students" — to the Pocahontas Area Comm School District board on April 13, explaining a five‑stage learning model and a 3D‑printed scale of their proposed classroom and schedule.
Student presenters said MERF emphasizes stages from understanding to mastering a skill and incorporates block scheduling, shortened periods for some courses and hands‑on learning spaces such as an IMAX‑style center and an aerobics/yoga room. The students noted their model used 3D‑printed mini furniture and showed the layout scaled for presentation.
Board members complimented the project, asked technical questions about 3D printing and cost estimates, and praised the students’ delivery and visual aids. The students said they entered the project in the Lakeland TAG area innovation fair, were among the top three and won a cash prize.
The board’s reaction highlighted the district’s support for student innovation and for applying student work to district conversations about scheduling and career pathways.
