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ISLAND PARK EAGLE NEWS
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Island Park Elementary PTA
April 14th, 2015
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Spring Party Wrap-up 
Our Spring Party & Auction was a huge success! After party expenses (which were a record low!), we raised $62,000 for our Learning Support Program!!! That is incredible! This would not have happened without the tremendous help and support from wonderful parents, staff & teachers!
Huge thanks to Billy Poll for emceeing the event, and to his lovely assistant, Beth Dudycha - they killed it on stage! Big thanks to Kirk Robinson for being our DJ and getting the crowd going! Thank you Kendra Hubbell for producing such a wonderful video showcasing the Learning Support Program! Thank you to Becky McAuley for her tireless work in setting up systems weeks in advance, running check-in, data entry & check out processes the night of the auction and handling all of invoicing and receipts post-auction. Andrea Simpson put together a beautiful Dessert Dash table - Thank you! And kudos to Gerry Kenny for running a very popular & successful Corn-hole Tournament!
Thank you Michelle Ritter, Heather Fowler & Sue Maas for wrangling the classroom art projects (and HUGE thanks to all the parents who executed the projects within the classrooms). Our Teacher Features were extremely popular this year (they raised a record setting $9,000!!!) - thanks to Mindy Smith, Kristi Mehal & Elizabeth Kaplan for working with the Teachers to pull everything together. And BIG thanks to the teachers who give their time and love to the students and Learning Support Program by offering Teacher Features. Thank you to those IP families who donated items & experiences to our Live Auction. Thank you so much to all the parents and Island Park Staff & Teachers who helped set up the event and 'work' the event the night of - it went so smoothly because of you! There are so many thank-yous we would like to include it would take up the entire Newsletter! Finally - Thank you to the Auction Co-chairs, Liz Kenny & Jenny McPherson who worked for 7 months to put the event together and ensure its success - Bravo!
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PTA General Meeting - GOT QUESTIONS?
Friday, April 17th @ 9:15 AM
Please join us for the April PTA General Meeting this Friday at 9:15 AM in the Island Park Library. Our speaker will be our own MISD Superintendent, Gary Plano. Mr. Plano will be addressing school boarder changes and other important district news. Come ask all your questions! You don't want to miss this one!
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PTA SCIENCE FUN NIGHT!
Tuesday, May 5, 6-8pm at Island Park
Register Today!
Registration Deadline: April 20
The PTA Science Fun Night is an exciting new program at Island Park Elementary! PTA Science Fun Night participants will be grouped in teams of 4 students within their grade and will be led by a parent volunteer as they participate in three 30-minute sessions that include hands-on science experiments and activities.
We also need lots of parent volunteers to make this event a success -- this is a great opportunity for you to experience the excitement of science and learning with your child!
To register your student and/or to volunteer for the PTA Science Fun Night, please click HERE.
If you prefer, you can print out the attached paper registration form.
QUESTIONS? Contact Michelle Ritter at
mcodyritter@yahoo.com

SCIENCE + FUN = SCIENCE FUN NIGHT
A night of fun your child won't want to miss!
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 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, sandra@sandralevin.com or Tammy, tyheydon@comcast.net.
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MI Parent Edge and Parent Map Present:
ROSALIND WISEMAN - Queen Bees and Masterminds
Wednesday, April 22nd, 7pm, Herzl-Ner Tamid Synagogue
For parents of kids of all ages
Rosalind Wiseman pulls back the curtain on what's really going on between adolescent boys and girls today, and how social group dynamics influence their interactions. She offers step-by-step advice on how to teach young people to treat each other with dignity.
Thought leader, social researcher and author, Wiseman promotes social justice and bullying prevention. Her New York Times best-selling book, "Queen Bees and Wannabes" was the basis for the hit comedy movie "Mean Girls."
Parent Edge is thrilled to offer a limited number of tickets to our Mercer Island PTA members at a significant discount to the publically-offered price. Go to: http://www.eventbrite.com/e/rosalind-wiseman-queen-bees-and-masterminds-mercer-island-tickets-13565218935 and enter the Promotional Code "MIPE15". Ticket price for Mercer Island PTA members is $15 plus a minimal transaction fee.
Please visit www.miparentedge.org for more information and to download and print the Rosalind Wiseman flyer.
MI Parent Edge is jointly sponsored by the PTA's of Lakeridge, Island Park, West Mercer, Islander Middle, MIHS and St. Monica schools.
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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. Bonnie.barthelme@mercerislandschools.or
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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.
Continue Reading...
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IMS Island Books Event
The IMS Island Books' event is coming up, Friday, May 15. Shop anytime throughout the day, and when you identify yourself with IMS, we receive 20% of the sales! The proceeds will benefit IMS PTSA programs and services that help enrich our students' middle school experience.
Please join us for coffee and pastries from 9:30am-11:30am, or meet friends for a glass of wine and hors d'oeuvres from 6pm-8pm. Catch up with friends, share book recommendations and leisurely browse the shelves.
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Upcoming Events
PTA General Meeting
April 17th 9:15 AM MPR
50's Sock Hop April 24th 6.30-8.30pm MPR
Science Olympiad May 5th 6pm-8pm
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 Island Park PTA Presents 50's Sock Hop
April 24th 6:30-8:30 pm
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 Learning Support Team & Programs. There will be live music featuring our very own Mr. and Mrs. Hamp with their singing group and four piece band the "The Raretones".
Buy your tickets in advance and receive a cool wristband! TICKETS. The classroom with the most returned registration forms will win a prize! |
School Board Vacancy Appointment
Applications due Friday, April 25th to Superintendent's Office by 4:30pm.
Mercer Island School Board Position 5 will become vacant on May 14, 2015, as a result of a resignation due to a planned change in residency of Board President Janet Frohnmayer. A new board member will be appointed to fill the vacancy left by her until the Nov. 3, 2015 general election. If the appointed member desires to remain on the board, they must run for election for a full four-year term in the fall.
Specific responsibilities of board members include, but are not limited to: systematically measuring the district's attainment of Board Policy 2020; monitoring superintendent performance; setting district policy; adopting an annual operating budget; placing levies and bonds before voters; and ratifying contracts negotiated with the local bargaining unit.
To be eligible for appointment to the Mercer Island School Board, you must reside within the Mercer Island city limits and must be a registered voter in the City of Mercer Island.
For more information click here.
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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 jolajensen4@gmail.com or pick up a form on the PTA bulletin board in the main hallway or in the main office.
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MIPA's Circus Is Almost Here!
Calling all Toddlers, Preschoolers and Kindergartners! The Circus is on its way!
Pony rides, Dizzy's Tumble Bus, bouncy houses, face painting, cupcake walks, carnival games, and more! A homespun circus on a grand scale that year after year draws young families region-wide for a day of fun and community gathering. You won't want to miss it!
WHEN: Saturday, April 25th, from 10 am to 2 pm WHERE: MI High School, 9100 SE 42nd St. WHO/WHAT: Kids, ages 2-8, and families COST: Admission is free (tickets sold for games and prizes).
Come hungry! Food trucks/vendors will be joining us at Circus. Grab lunch or a treat at one of our vendors, which will be located in the MIHS front parking lot next to the ponies and bouncy houses.
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Box Top Contest!
The next Box Tops contest has started! Keep clipping and sending them in. The next winning class will get to have breakfast in the classroom - complete with doughnuts and cereal!
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6th Grade IMS School Supplies
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. 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 helpeduc8.llc@gmail.com to be added to our email list and notified when packages are available to order for the 2015-2016 school year, or if you have any questions you may have about our services.
Thanks!
Lindsey Reitinger, Evelyn Davis, and Amanda WallHelpEduc8, LLC
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MERCER ISLAND RESOURCES FOR PARENTS AND FAMILIES
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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 Boys & Girls Club Spring Party - Anchors Away
Saturday, May 16, 2015 from 6pm to 10pm
Join us on board the SS PEAK for a fun evening complete with one-of-a kind silent and live auction items! Come in your best cruise ship attire and be ready for one spectacular event. After dinner, you and your friends can dance the night away! Click here for more information.
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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!
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Come and be welcome at the 10th annual Troop 457 Pancake Breakfast!
Sunday, April 19, 2015 8:30am -Noon
Emmanuel Episcopal Church Fellowship Hall, 4400 86th AVE
You can't beat all you can eat for $5 for a single, $15 for a family, and $3 for a senior. All cooking, cleaning, and serving will be done by the scouts in Troop 457, so come out and support the boys in this annual fundraiser for the troop.
Art's Cool! SPRING 2015 In partnership with Island Park PTA
Wednesdays- April 15,22,29, May 6,13,20,27, June 3,10 Grades 1-5 2:00 - 3:30 SCULPTING THE WORLD'S FASCINATING SEA LIFE IN CLAY Have fun exploring the undersea world as each student learns to visually capture numerous marine life forms in clay. We willl ook at examples of different sea creatures from around the world to inspire thought creativity and generate a variety of ideas to incorporate into several clay projects. Students will gain knowledge and experience learning sculptural hand-building techniques, tool and glaze application and surface design. The class is designed to encourage personal expression style and ideas to produce unique individual clay works Instructor: Stewart Wong; Location: OPT; Class Size 12; Tuition $135 Class Code: 0922 For further information contact lmetcalfdesigner@comcast.net or call (206) 938 2064
TechSmartKids- After School Computer Coding Courses
TechSmartKids, a leading provider of computer science education for K-12 is offering after school and summer computer coding classes on Mercer Island at West Mercer Elementary, Islander Middle School and the Mercer Island Community Center.
Spring coding classes for K-1 and 2nd -5th grade begin on Monday 4/13 and run through Thursday 6/18. Enrollment is now available for TechSmartKids Spring Coding Courses: Online at http://www.techsmartkids.com or Enroll by phone: (425) 786-7824
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! $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- Allison@mercerislandcrossfit.com, 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 miparks@mercergov.org or drop off at the M.I. Community & Event Center. More details available at www.playonmercerisland.com
(special events)
Parks and Recreation
Counselor In Training Program (CIT)
Learn to be a camp counselor! Gain leadership, communication skills, planning, safety and FUN! Learn from experienced Day Camp Directors and guest speakers. Each "CIT" will become first aid and CPR certified. After the formal training is complete get hands on experience by shadowing a camp counselor during a week of summer camp (one week required).
Course #: 15471
Age: 13 - 16
Day/Date: Wed., May 6 - Jun 10
Time: 6pm - 7:15pm
Fee: R$134; NR$160
Location: Mercer Island Community & Event Center
Register at www.myparksandrecreation.com or call 275-7609
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 klemaster@comcast.net or Scoutmaster Dan Hansen at Daniel.hanson457@hotmail.com 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 info@spongeschool.com or give us a call at (425) 274-5188 with any questions. We love to see new faces!
Registration for Mercer Island Parks & Recreation Summer Day Camps!
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 thor@raincitypolo.com or by calling 206-999-5686.
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Mercer Island School District
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Island Park PTA
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THANK YOU 2015 -2016 LEARNING SUPPORT AUCTION SPONSORS!
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2015 Sponsors: Special Thanks To:
Video Production: Kendra Hubbell
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