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ISLAND PARK EAGLE NEWS
Island Park Elementary PTA
March 24th, 2015
Letter from a PTA Parent 
Coming to America - An Ex-Pat's View of Schools in the USA

My husband and I and our 3 girls aged 5, 6 and 9, moved from London to Seattle at the end of July, 2014.  The whole process of moving and trying to set up family life in another country where we knew no one was incredibly overwhelming. It was clear to me from day 1 that where we chose to set up home would dictate the success of this relocation, ultimately bringing happiness to my family.

 

After 5 long days of searching Seattle from East to West, I was disheartened having not found a place I thought we could call home. Eventually I fell upon Mercer Island, as I drove down Island Crest Way I melted into my seat as it seemed perfect in so many ways; not only for the excellent schools, but for the tranquility and beauty of the island, as well as the strong sense of community.

 

Since arriving at the end of July, I have tried to get involved in Island Park as much as possible, not only as a way to meet people but as a means to try and understand the education system here in America (which is surprisingly different from the UK). Recently I was awarded the role of Fundraiser for the PTA.  Having come from the UK where fundraising, although necessary, is more of an added bonus, I have been very surprised at how much schools in the USA rely on fundraising to give kids the 'extras' that really make a difference in their education and enrichment, and also enable schools to hit the top of the rankings.In the short time I have been in this role it has also become increasingly apparent to me how much we rely on our parents in order to achieve these great results.  Continue Reading...


Letter from the Principal
March Meanderings
David Hoffman

On March 19, second trimester report cards will become available.  In the spirit of all the work, effort and, yes, frenzy that occurred during this reporting period (they don't call it March Madness for nothing), I offer a reprint of a letter I wrote in 2013.March is a conflicted month. It arrives like a lion and goes out like a lamb (or vice ver  sa). The ancient Britons referred to it as  hyld-monath-loud and stormy. In ancient Rome, March was called Martius, in honor of the Roman god of war; it was considered a good time of the year to start a battle. Rudyard Kipling referred to the month as  steel grey. While March welcomes the Spring Equinox in thee northern hemisphere,  it  also commemorates the Great Blizzards of 1888 and 1993.Continue Reading..

Superintendent Message

Dear Mercer Island district staff, parents, and patrons,

Spring has officially arrived! With it comes a great deal of progress on several initiatives for our Mercer Island public schools.

The High School Start-Time Committee recently met again to discuss later start times for high school students. The discussion has reached the second of three phases. Committee members are beginning to solicit and record input from various school and community stakeholder groups. If you have input, follow this link and reach out to Mercer Island School District Director of Transportation and Emergency Management, Todd Kelsay.

At the end of April, district teachers and administrators will join me in examining and exploring the elementary world language program at the Annie Wright Academy in Tacoma. They have added a targeted world language in their elementary program in a manner similar to what we are exploring. I look forward to seeing what they have implemented and to hearing their insights. We continue to discuss the feasibility of introducing a targeted world language program in our elementary schools in the 2016-17 school year. You can read more about our progress through this link.

The Mercer Island Schools Foundation "Breakfast of Champions" is scheduled for the morning of April 28. I look forward to this event each year and the chance to spend time with community members who care so deeply about Mercer Island public schools. It is a great opportunity to share some of the incredible work happening in every one of our classrooms, and to address the very real funding challenges our schools face.

Read more
Thank you and best regards,
Gary Plano, Ed. D.Superintendent
In This Issue
:: Spring Party Tickets
:: Spring Party Babysitting
:: Leadership Committee
:: PTA Science Fun Night
:: PTA Science Fun Night Volunteers
:: Island Books Fundraiser
:: MIPA's Circus
:: Age 11, Sixth Grade Immunization
:: Bravos
:: MI Parent Edge
:: Sock Hop
:: Yearbook team need you
:: Learning Garden
:: Box Top Winners
:: Library News
:: 6th Grade IMS School Supplies
:: Article Headline
Spring Party & Auction 
IS THIS FRIDAY!!!


ONLINE TICKET SALES CLOSE AT 5:00 PM TONIGHT (3/24).  

 

If you have been waiting to buy your ticket, wait no longer!  Buy before 5:00 pm tonight for $85 or you will pay $100 at the door the night of the event!

 

To buy tickets: Spring Party Tickets


Come celebrate our IP community and raise funds for our Learning Support Team & Programs.  March 27th from 6:30-11:00 pm at the SJCC.
For more info visit: Spring Party.  
Questions:  Liz Kenny or Jenny McPherson  [email protected].

Need a BABYSITTER so you can attend the Spring Party?

Babysitting provided by Holy Trinity Lutheran Church!  They will provide pizza, games & a movie all for only $20/kid ($50 for families with 3+ kids)

There are only a few spots left - so please register ASAP!

 

Be Part of the Leadership Committee at the new Elementary School #4

In a partnership between MISD and the MI PTAs, we are looking for individuals to be involved with two different committees.  The first is the
naming of the 4th elementary school (approximately 3 meetings before the end of this school year - June 2015.)  The second is to be active in the
new school's PTA leadership & planning committee (throughout next year 2015-2016.)  This is the chance to help decide the future of our new school.   

If you are interested in participating in one or both of these committee, please fill out the
online application by April 3rd.  Committee member selection will be made by PTA Presidents and Superintendent Gary Plano.   For application and more information, please visit www.miptacouncil.org.
 
PTA Science Fun Night
 
Science + Fun = Science Fun Night!
Tuesday, May 5, 2015  6-8 pm
Open to All Grades!
 
At the PTA Science Fun Night, teams of four students will rotate through three 30 minute sessions of hands-on science experiments/activities.  Here is a peek at some of the fun activities...
 
Kindergarteners and First Graders 
Test your skill at building a tall tower...made of SWEET TREATS!  Join us at the PTA Science Fun Night to see just what this is all about!
 
Second and Third Graders
Have you ever wondered how far you can launch a GUMMI BEAR in the air?  Come to PTA Science Fun Night and test it out! 
 
Fourth and Fifth Graders
You've probably been on a roller coaster before, but have you ever had the opportunity to build the ROLLER COASTER OF YOUR DREAMS?  You won't want to miss PTA Science Fun Night!
 
For more information and to register online, click here ! Registration deadline is April 20th.

For more information, contact Michelle Ritter at [email protected].

Parents - we need you!
 
Join us for an evening of cool science activities at the Island Park PTA Science Fun Night on Tuesday, May 5 from 6:00-8:00 pm! 
 
If you have missed out helping in the classroom, this is the perfect opportunity to share a night of fun science and learning with your child.  
 
At the PTA Science Fun Night, teams of four students will rotate through three 30 minute sessions of hands-on science experiments/activities.  All experiments/activities will be run by trained parent or community volunteers. 
 
We need lots of parent volunteers to make this event a success - prior science experience or knowledge is not necessary! 

  

General Volunteers - Assist with the student registration, experiment room set-up and clean up, and snacks. 

 

Parent Facilitators - Lead a team of four students through the three 30 minute sessions and facilitate any issues/questions with the activities. You can designate your child you would like to be paired with for the event - just include one child's name and grade level in the sign up. 

 
Click here to sign-up to volunteer
 
Thanks for helping us bring fun and learning through science to both students and parents alike! 

Island Books Fundraiser
Island Books Logo


The Mercer Island community has been part of very successful fundraising efforts over the years at Island Books.  Now the owners, Roger & Nancy Page, are asking us to work our magic and whip up support for those less fortunate. All day Saturday, March 28th (9:30-6 pm), Island Books will donate 20% of sales proceeds and provide stacks of wish list books and art supplies for The First Place School, an elementary school developed especially to support homeless kids in the Seattle area. 

Last year Island Books was able to write a check for $2000 and customers generously donated hundreds of books as well. Please complete the circle and help others in need as we have helped you. Roger and Nancy Page

MIPA's Circus save-the-date
April 25th from 10am-2pm

Circus in on it's way! Pony Rides, Dizzy's Tumble Bus, bouncy houses, face painting, carnival games, food trucks and more, you won't want to miss it.

The event is on Saturday, April 25th from  10am-2pm at the Mercer Island High School.

 

Age 11, Sixth Grade Immunization Requirement

Dear Parents and Guardians of 5th grade students,
All students at age 11 are required to obtain one dose of Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis i.e. Whooping Cough) Vaccination to attend 6th Grade in the State of WA. This is a booster dose to combat the continued escalated cases of Whooping Cough in Washington State.

Please make an appointment now, for your child to obtain the required vaccine at age 11.  Report the date your student obtained the Tdap Vaccination to Bonnie Barthelme RN at Islander Middle School anytime between now and September 8, 2015. [email protected]

 

Upcoming Events

Island Park Spring Party/Auction
March 27th 6:30-11pm JCC

Spring Break
April 6th-10th

5th Grade Islandwood
April 13th-16th

50's Sock Hop
April 24th 6.30-8.30pm MPR

Science Olympiad
May 5th 6pm-8pm

 
bravo banner

Staff Appreciation Luncheon

Thank you to Kim Chou and all the wonderful parent volunteers who threw another successful Staff Appreciation luncheon on March 16th!

 

Spring Party/Auction 

Huge kudos to the fabulous team of parent volunteers that have helped pull together this year's Spring Party/Auction: Michelle Ritter, Heather Fowler & Sue Maas for coordinating all the Classroom Art projects (and doing several of the projects themselves); Mindy Smith, Kristi Mehal & Elizabeth Kaplan for rounding up all the Teacher Features; Kendra Hubbell for filming and editing the amazing Learning Support video, Jamie Herz for securing the ever important community sponsorships; Andrea Simpson, Tuuli Saloranta & Jessica Crump for coordinating the Dessert Dash! Liz Buckley for helping pull off the Ben Bridge Diamond Bracelet again; Kirk Robinson & Gerry Kenny for building and painting the beautiful corn hole boards for the tournament! and Becky McAuley for her tireless efforts in data entry and set-up so our event runs smoothly!  

 

MI Parent Edge Presents:

KATIE DAVIS - Growing Up in the App Generation

Monday, March 30th, 7 pm, MIHS PAC
 
Katie Davis, co-author of The App Generation: How Today's Youth Navigate Identity, Intimacy, and Imagination in a Digital World conducted extensive research on how the digital youth of the "app generation" learn, communicate and express themselves. As parents and teachers, we might fear that apps blur a sense of identity, encourage superficial relations with others, and stunt creative imagination; however, they can also promote a strong sense of identity, allow deep relationships, and stimulate creativity.

Join us to learn what it means to be "app-dependent" versus "app-enabled" and how life for this generation differs from life before the digital era.

This event is geared towards parents of kids of all ages; students in grades 7-12 are also welcome and encouraged to attend.

MI Parent Edge is jointly sponsored by the PTA's of Lakeridge, Island Park, West Mercer, Islander Middle, MIHS and St. Monica schools. Please visit www.miparentedge.org to view the entire parent education calendar of events.
sock hop
Island Park PTA Presents 50's Sock Hop
April 24th 6:30-8:30pm

All "cool" K-5 students and families are invited to put on your best "50's" styles. Come for the fun to raise funds for the "hand-in-hand instructional assistants" program. There will be live music featuring our very own Mr. and Mrs. Hamp with their singing group and four piece band the "The Raretones".

Volunteer Appreciation & Awards
SAVE THE DATE

 

Please Save the Date for the 2015 Volunteer Appreciation Event to be held on Wednesday, June 10th.  More details to follow.  If you would like to nominate someone for this year's awards, please contact Jola Jensen [email protected] or pick up a form on the PTA bulletin board in the main hallway or in the main office. 

Yearbook Team needs you!  

Enjoy Online Scrapbooking?

 

Do you enjoy online scrap-booking?  Want to help preserve your kids school year?  If you are interested in being part of the yearbook team this year and next year, contact Sandra,  [email protected] or Tammy, [email protected].


Learning Garden Leaders Needed!

Spring is almost here and we are desperately looking for a volunteer to create a garden plan and coordinate helpers to work in our Island Park Learning Garden. 

Our beautiful garden space has been seriously neglected and is ripe for new ideas.  We have kids (and parents) who are eager to get their hands dirty but we need an interested parent or grandparent to create a vision and schedule some work parties.  If you have a green thumb and are interested in taking on this Fun volunteer opportunity, please contact Erin McGuire at [email protected].

 

 

Box Tops
Box Top Winners!

Congratulations to Ms. Carlson's Class for winning the winter BoxTops contest!  Ms. Carlson's class collected a whopping 1,014 BoxTops (beating the 2nd place classroom by 338 BoxTops!).  The kids celebrated their win with a special popsicle recess this past Friday, March 20th.  Next BoxTops contest starts April 1st!  Keep clipping and sending them in.  The  next winning class will get to have breakfast in the classroom - complete with doughnuts and cereal! 

 

Library Newsgraphic-bookstore-people.jpg

Storyteller/Author Visits
This March we have the good fortune to have two author/storyteller events in Island Park Library. On Monday, March 30th, Martha Brockenbrough will be here presenting to the third through fifth grade classes. Then on Tuesday, March 31st George Shannon will be presenting to the kindergarten through second grade classes. These events have been made possible grants from the Island Park PTA and the Bainbridge Schools Foundation.
 
6th Grade IMS School Supplies
School supplies2

Helping Education-Here and Globally Attention all 5th Grade Parents!  Unlike the elementary schools, Islander Middle School does not offer a school supply package service that provides your student with all of the year's supplies.  

 

However, HelpEduc8, local, charitable business, offers the same service. HelpEduc8 sells pre-made packages of school supplies to families of Mercer Island middle school students.  Each package is custom-made in consultation with IMS teachers to contain all the supplies a 6th grader will need at Islander Middle School for the entire year, at a lower price than one would pay buying all supplies separately at local stores.  HelpEduc8 saves you time and money, and ensures that your student will have all of the necessary supplies to have a successful school year.  All net profits are donated to Save the Children, a charity dedicated to providing education and hope to millions of children worldwide affected by conflict.   

 

Please contact us at [email protected] to be added to our email list and notified when packages are available to order for the 2014-2015 school year, or if you have any questions you may have about our services.  We will also be attending the IMS Gator for Night event on March 18th; feel free to stop by our table to find out more about what we do!

 

Thanks!

Lindsey Reitinger, Evelyn Davis, and Amanda WallHelpEduc8, LLC

MERCER  ISLAND RESOURCES FOR PARENTS AND FAMILIES

MI Parent Edge - 2014-2015 Calendar of Parent Education Events

Join Parent Edge for a great year of stimulating speakers and events!  Please visit  www.miparentedge.org to view the entire calendar. 

MI Parent Edge is jointly sponsored by the PTA's of Lakeridge, Island Park, West Mercer, Islander Middle, MIHS and St. Monica schools.   

MERCER ISLAND ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS AND FAMILIES

 

Looking for sports or activities for your child?  Check out Mercer Island Activities for Kids for a listing of the most recent activities!

CrossFit 

Join us for a 4 week camp incorporating CrossFit, social skills, team building and nutrition. Sessions are led by a Licensed Mental Health Therapist, Certified Personal Trainer and CrossFit Kids coach. During the 4 week camp your child will be introduced to healthy movements, team building activities, social skills, emotion regulation and healthy eating habits. They will learn about nutrition and make healthy snacks to bring home all while moving and engaging in individual and team activities. 

Cost: Register early and save!
$125 until 4/1/15
$145 until 4/19/15
$165 until 4/25/15

When: Sunday's from 12-2pm for 4 weeks. **April 26, May 3, May 10, May 17. 
Where: Mercer Island CrossFit, 3801 E. Mercer Way (inside the SJCC) *You do not have to be a member of CrossFit or the SJCC to attend the camp. 

Who: Any and all kids in grades 2-5

Contact Allison McGee to register or for more information-
 [email protected], 206-595-2011

 

Mercer Island Parks & Recreation

Run Like a Girl

Hard. Fast. Strong.

Female 5K fun run 

Calling all girls, ladies and women!   Dress up for fun, and run or walk through beautiful Luther Burbank Park.  Guys come cheer them on! 

Register course #15551 at www.myparksandrecreation.com or call 206.275.7609

Registration deadline May 3.

T-shirts for all participants.  No bibs or chips.

Download waiver from www.playonmercer.com (special event page) and email to [email protected] or drop off at the M.I. Community & Event Center. More details available at www.playonmercerisland.com 

(special events)


Parks and Recreation
Egg Hunts
April 4, Mercerdale Park

Sponsored by Windermere Real Estate and JayMarc Homes

Lil'Ones Egg Hunt
Bring a basket and your sweet tooth and get ready to hunt for goodies. Find a golden egg for the "eggstra" special surprise. A separate section will be reserved for the 1 to 3 year old hunters.
Ages: 1 - 6
Time: 5pm Sharp!
Fee: $5 Donation/Family
No registration required.
Flashlight Egg Hunt

Bring your flashlight and a basket to haul off your loot. Lots of eggs, candy and prizes for everyone. Find the golden egg during our Eggstravaganza for an "eggstra" special surprise.

Ages: 7 - 10

Time: 8:30pm Sharp!

Fee: $5 Donation/Family

No registration required.

 
Boy Scouts 
Attention all parents of 5th grade boys.  Is your son interested in adventure, leadership and serving your community? Has he ever thought about becoming an Eagle Scout?  Does he like to have fun?  Is he active?  Mercer island Boy Scouts Troop 457  has provided these opportunities to boys since it began in 1953.   Boy Scouts is open to all boys ages 11 & up with no prior scouting experience required.  If you are thinking about joining or want more information, please view our website or contact outreach coordinator, Karen LeMaster at [email protected] or Scoutmaster Dan Hansen at  [email protected] 
  

Modern Manners for Children

Clise Etiquette offers classes and camps for children.

Class May 3rd 10am-1pm Mercer Island

Camps July 20th-24th and August 24th-28th Seattle

for more information visit www.cliseetiquette.com 

 

SJCC Summer Camps
SJCC has been a defining time for thousands of campers over the past five decades. Campers learn songs, play gaga, act onstage, create science experiments, and make lifelong friendships. Whether this will be your first summer or you're a seasoned veteran, we are excited for you to build friendships, create memories, connect with the outdoors, and, most importantly, have fun in the sun! SJCC Summer Camp has weekly options from June 22 through August 28. Camp runs Mondays to Fridays from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Click here for full details.

Sponge Summer School
Hola! Ni Hao! Konnichiwa! Summer is coming up quick and we're excited to offer immersion camps in Spanish, Mandarin and Japanese!  Camp is a great opportunity to continue language over the summer, or to try something new! Week-long camps are offered in Bellevue and Seattle from June 22 through July 24. For more information and to register for camp, visit us online at www.spongeschool.com/sign-up/summer-camp/.

Interested in joining classes mid-session on Mercer Island? Classes for Spanish, French and Mandarin are held before and after school at all three Mercer Island Elementary schools. Busing is available between schools, so your children can learn their favorite language regardless of the school they attend. Contact us by email at [email protected] or give us a call at (425) 274-5188 with any questions. We love to see new faces!

Girls Spring Softball
No experience needed.  All ages are welcome and wanted!

 

Registration for Mercer Island Parks & Recreation Summer Day Camps begins on February 7, 2015!

We offer a wide variety of summer camps, including art, cooking, Legos, kayaking, music, sailing, sports, & day camps for ages 3 & up. View the camp brochure online at  www.playonmercer.com.   

 

Cheerleading Camps 

Come join the Mercer Island Parks & Recreation Department Cheerleading Program!

All skill levels welcome! For more information or Sign up for classes by calling 206-275-7609 or register online at www.MyParksAndRecreation.com. Scholarships available for Mercer Island residents who qualify.

 

Rain City Water Polo

Does your child love the water and team sports? Then water polo is perfect. We specialize in introducing kids to the sport and have programs to suit all ages. Boys and girls age five and older are welcome to join us. We have programs in north Seattle, west Seattle and on Mercer Island. A Free Trial is always available.

Check out our offerings at www.raincitypolo.com or get in touch by emailing [email protected] or by calling 206-999-5686.

 
 
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THANK YOU 2014 -2015 HAND IN HAND AUCTION SPONSORS!
 

2014 Sponsors:                                                                                      Special Thanks To:

Definitive Dance Studio                                                                               Ben Bridge
Silver Creek Capital Management                                                              The Red Balloon Company
JayMarc Homes                                                                                         Dr. David Weed Orthodontics
MI Dermatology                                                                                          Stroum Jewish Community Center
MI Pediatrics                                                                                               Kona Brewing                                                              
                                                                                                                    Titos Vodka                                                                                                                                                                                      Mercer Island LaCrosse
Table Sponsors: 
Brotherton Cadillac  
Orthodontic Associates of Mercer Island

Video Production:   Kendra Hubbell