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ISLAND PARK EAGLE NEWS
Island Park Elementary PTA
October 11, 2015 
David Hoffman PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE
October is Bullying Prevention Month. I share the following story in the spirit of acceptance and inclusion of others.
 
"Jimmy Kubash, Jimmy Kubash. Slower than a turtle in the fifty yard dash." So went the taunting rhyme at recess when I was in second grade. Poor Jimmy Kubash. He was indeed a slow runner. But everything about Jimmy was protracted and methodical. He was a slow speaker, prone to drooling as words crawled and drawled out of his mouth. He was deliberate in putting on his coat before going outside. And, Jimmy was slow to pick up on reading, math, letter formation, coloring and even opening his milk at lunch. I can still see my second grade teacher, Mrs. Webber, walking over to his desk each day to help him gently force a yawn from his milk carton's sealed mouth.  
 
I remember his challenges because Mrs. Webber often asked me to read to Jimmy or help him complete other work. Imagine a kid feeling like he had to wear kid gloves while working with a peer. That is how I'm sure I felt while assisting Jimmy. I probably slowed down my own speech; spoke louder, and pathetically patronized my classmate thinking that his sloth-like demeanor warranted me stereotypically treating him like an outsider who has been on this planet for a very short time.

Jimmy's family had moved to my hometown, Omaha, from somewhere in the Deep South. He arrived in my classroom with his Huck Finn accent and just-out-of-bed-hair sometime in the middle of the school year. The class' quick acceptance of the new student quickly faded as we realized that he was an easy target for taunting and bullying. The aforementioned unkind chant probably started around the time we ran the fifty-yard relay race in P.E. The concept was easy. The class was divided into four teams. Each team was divided in two. The split groups were lined up fifty-yards apart so that team members faced each other. Each student dashed toward a teammate, passing a plastic, oversized, sausage-like baton to an eagerly awaiting hand, and cheered until a team had exhausted all its runners and someone ran the final fifty-yards. The idea was to not drop the baton while sprinting or you would have to retrieve it, which cost your team precious seconds...continue reading here.
In This Issue
:: Order Spirit Wear
:: International Night
:: Yearbook
:: Back-2-School Paperwork
:: Directory Update
:: Steps For School
:: Volunteer Thank you!
:: Earn Money While You Shop
:: Counselor's Corner
Show off your pride with Eagle Wear
Now on sale
Choose from Island Park Eagle sweatshirts,
t-shirts, plaid PJs, shorts and more. 
All spirit wear orders benefit IP PTA. 

The spirit wear online store will close at midnight on Thursday, October 15, 2015. 

Thank you for your support!
 
Contact [email protected] with any questions or order online.
IP International Night
Friday, October 23rd 6-8pm
Intl Night
Island Park is proud to invite everyone to International Night on October 23rd. Join us as 15+ countries (Australia, Chile, China, Ethiopia, Finland, Germany, Israel, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Sweden, Ukraine, Venezuela, Vietnam and others) share their history and culture. There will be samples of food at each table and other entertainment. 

Please join us for this fun & cultural evening! International Night is a free event - no participation or entry fees.

If you would like to volunteer please contact Kristi Kile, Beth Goodman or Lesley Poole at [email protected]
2014-2015 Yearbook Reminder
If you ordered a yearbook at the end of last year but have not collected it, please contact Abigail Little to arrange pick-up at
Back-2-School Paperwork
Pay Your Fees, Donate to our Ask Campaign
If you have not had the opportunity to go online and complete your Back-2-School registration and payments, it's not too late.  CLICK HERE and complete the easy form. You can pay via credit card through PayPal, or print your completed form confirmation and send it into Island Park with your check made out to Island Park PTA. 

If you indicated you will provide a check, don't forget to send it in. You can mail it to: Island Park PTA, Attn: Treasurer, 5437 Island Crest Way, Mercer Island WA 98040 or drop it in to the office. Contact Heather Fowler
with questions.
My School Anywhere Directory
New for 2015-2016
This year, Island Park will be utilizing the My School Anywhere, a cloud based data collection solution that automates the data collection and confirmation process that allows your information to be updated and accurate. Please look for an email this week that will allow you to opt-out and/or customize your contact info. 
Upcoming Events

International Night
Fri, Oct 23rd 6-8pm

Halloween Parade
Fri, Oct 30th 2:00-2:45pm

Island Park PTA General Meeting
Tues, Nov 10th 9:10am, IP Library

No School
Wed, Nov 11th

Island Books, Brunch & Browse
Thur, Nov 12 9:00am-Noon

Thank You
For a Great Steps for School Event
Thank you to all of the wonderful volunteers, families, and staff who helped make this event such a success. We couldn't have done it without you. 

It was a beautiful day and the students had a great time running and reading.

Special thanks to our Steps Chairs and team  Melissa Prock, Amy Tubach, Shelley Johnson, Alexandra Schatz, Patrick Dougherty, Kale Kim, Sandra Schwarz, Ricca Poll, Heather Fowler, Pam Hinnen, Karen Smith, Ashleigh Dickenson, Jola Jensen, Abigail Little and Jen Sadlier.  

Pledge forms and donations are still being accepted. Please return all donations to your child's teacher or the main office by Thursday, October 8th. 
Thank you!

More Volunteer Thank Yous
We couldn't do it without you
A big thank you to Hilary Doroski and all the volunteers who helped us with hearing and vision screenings last week AND everyone who helped with photos on Sept 28 and 29. Thank you to Wensie Chen, Nancy Coupe, Sa Tonnu, and Rubina Arif for helping screen all day!

To everyone who volunteered their time, we sincerely thank you. 
Money for Shopping
Remember to use our link for your holiday shopping!
Every time you purchase through Island Park's affiliate page, Amazon will donate a percentage of the price of eligible products to the school. 

Bookmark this Amazon affiliate link and you'll be donating to Island Park without spending any extra money. Just imagine if every family made their Amazon purchases through this link!

 
Tea Collection's School Days Fundraiser
Benefiting the Island Park PTA

Our school is participating in Tea Collection's School Days fundraiser! Tea Collection is a unique and vibrant children's clothing company based in San Francisco. They carry great quality and fun designs that take inspiration from countries around the world! Follow these simple steps to save money for yourself and earn money for our school! 

1. Shop at www.teaschooldays.com from 10/13 - 10/20 and receive 15% off + free shipping AND our school gets 15% of each sale!  Do not use their regular website! 

2. At checkout, use the drop box and select our school's name to get the 15% of the sales donation for our school. No promo code needed! 

3. Wait a few days and you'll get your gorgeous clothing in the mail! Easy return, so no worries!

Mark your calendar and happy shopping! Please help us spread the word by forwarding this along to your own network. 

Any questions, please contact Kim Chou at [email protected]
Counselor's Corner
Buddy Bench

Hello families! 

You might have noticed a roving bench on the Island Park playground. This is our new Buddy Bench, created last school year with the help of the 5th grade Buddy Bench puppet team as well as Island Park's student government.  

The Buddy Bench is a simple idea to eliminate loneliness and foster friendship on the playground. Let's spread the message of inclusion and kindness!  

The idea of the buddy bench is originally student-driven and staff have been working with Island Park students to continue conversations about ways to use the Buddy Bench effectively. Last school year, I brought some 5th graders and puppets to visit the K-3 classrooms to role-play some ways to use the Buddy Bench. 

The location of the Buddy Bench moves around a bit to make it even more accessible and visible. It would be great if our community could help to figure out ways to make the Buddy Bench more visible. 

Your Island Park students probably know about the Buddy Bench but they may not know that the bench was originally dedicated to a beloved parapro named Therese Williams who had a passion for reading and always helped students. Her children and grandchildren are still involved with Island Park and love the idea that her bench is also the Buddy Bench!  

Below is a link to how the Buddy Bench is being used throughout the world and includes a PowerPoint that was shared last year with Island Park students and parents.  

If you have any questions you can contact me on 
(206) 230-6285 or [email protected] 
MERCER  ISLAND LEGISLATIVE UPDATES AND EVENTS
Candidates Forum - Focus on Schools
Hosted by the MI PTA Council
October 26th 7-9pm
West Mercer Elementary - Gym, 4141 81st Ave SE, Mercer Island, WA 98040
 
Get informed and hear from all of the Mercer Island candidates running in the November 3rd General Election. This forum is an opportunity for the candidates to share their positions on school-related issues. This forum will include a brief talk from each of the candidates and an ample audience Q&A period.
 
Mercer Island School Board Candidate Presentations: David D'Souza, Tracy Drinkwater, Bill Hochberg, School Board Member Ralph Jorgenson
 
Mercer Island City Council Candidate Presentations: Dave Wisenteiner,  Council Member Jane Meyer Brahm, Salim Nice, Wendy Weiker, Jeff Sanderson, Tom Acker, Council Member Bruce Bassett, Traci Granbois and Council Member Debbie Bertlin
 
Learn more about the November 3 General Election. King County Election Website
 
Mercer Island School District Budget
2015-2016 school year
At the August 18 School Board meeting, the School District presented the 2015-2016 District Budget. Read more about the 2015-2016 Mercer Island School District budget proposal here
 
Legislative Assembly 2015-2016
Saturday October 24th 2015
The Washington State PTA Legislative Assembly will be held on October 24 in Olympia.  If you are interested in attending, contact our Advocacy Rep ([email protected]). 

To read about the WSPTA priorities for the 2015-2016 school year, click here.

MERCER  ISLAND RESOURCES FOR PARENTS AND FAMILIES
Parent Edge
MI Parent Edge 2015-2016 Parent Education 
Julie Lythcott-Haims

Author of the New York Times Bestseller "How to Raise an Adult: Break Free of the Over-parenting Trap and Prepare Your Kid for Success"

Thurs.,October 29 at 7 PM at the MIHS PAC

Throw out the checklisted childhood!! Julie Lythcott-Haims, former Stanford University Dean of Freshmen, takes a hard look at the overparenting trend in today's society. While the stories and statistics can be tough to hear, especially since we will likely catch a glimpse of ourselves in the mix, the solutions and end-result of raising self-sufficient, resourceful kids is well worth the pain! Go to www.howtoraiseanadult.com for recent press, articles and interviews with Julie.

Come see what all the buzz is about!
Free for Mercer Island PTA Members
$10 at the door for non-MI PTA Members - Bring a friend!
For parents of kids of all ages
Visit www.miparentedge.org for more information on this and other local events. 

MIParent Edge is jointly sponsored by the PTA's of Lakeridge, Island Park, West Mercer, Islander Middle, and MIHS schools
and MIPA.
MERCER ISLAND ACTIVITIES FOR KIDS

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

Luther Burbank Park Playground Mosaic Project
If you have a student in Grades 3 through 5, they can apply to be a part of this exciting new project. Students will create mosaics for a public installation at the Luther Burbank Playground. Workshops will be held after school on Tuesday afternoons at the Mercer Island Community and Event Center. If your student is available and enjoys working on creative, detail-oriented projects, click here to apply or email [email protected] for more information.
 
Mercer Island Food Revolution and Let's Move Mercer Island to host 6th Community Dinner
Mercer Island Food Revolution invites families to take a night off from cooking and to join us for a delicious community dinner on Thursday, October 15th, 2015, at 5:30 or 7:00 pm at the Mercer Island Community Center.

The featured chef is Mercer Island's own Kurt Dammeier, owner of Bennett's and Beecher's Handmade Cheese. "We are thrilled to support the Mercer Island Food Revolution," Dammeier said. "Being both a Mercer Island parent and a chef, I fully support their efforts to promote healthy eating and nutrition."
Dinner will be topped off with delicious mini handmade desserts from Mercer Island mom and pastry chef, Amanda Gilmore. Programming during dinner will include a welcome and update from MIFR Chair, Sharon Perez, and Parks and Recreation Superintendent, Diane Mortenson, as well as a new talk by Chef Dammeier, "Vitamin Water is the New Cigarette", children's activities, and educational information.

Tickets are $12/individual, $30/family, and $8/seniors. Tickets are available for purchase online at www.mifoodrevolution.org. Purchase early - we can seat 354 Islanders, and we're expecting a sold-out event!

Chess Club at Island Park
The Chess4Life After School Chess Club is designed for students of any ability.  Our Chess Clubs are taught by certified coaches who tailor the curriculum to meet the needs of the students of all ages. Learning and playing chess at school provides a host of benefits including improved memory, problem-solving skills, an enhanced ability to think ahead, and potential performance improvement in math and science.  We strive to ensure that all of our students learn life, improve at chess, and have fun.
Dates: Tuesdays, 10/6 - 12/15 (10 classes, no class 12/8) 3:30-4:45 at Island Park
Cost: $159 for the season, t-shirt included
Questions? Contact Chess4Life Center at 425-497-2121 or [email protected]
Register at www.chess4life.com

Mercer Island Girl Scouts
Girl Scouts on Mercer Island is big!  Our service unit is made up of over 30 troops of girls from Kindergarten to 12th grade. Learn more here:  joinmigirlscouts.weebly.com. Any questions? Contact [email protected] 

Cub Scouts - Space Derby, Oct 12th
Monday, October 12th, 7:00 - 8:00pm, Lakeridge Elementary
All families are invited to Cub Scout Pack 668's annual Space Derby Monday, October 12, 7:00PM at Lakeridge Elementary School. The boys will be racing their hand-made rockets.  Scout leaders are on hand who can explain scouting to interested boys & parents. We can be reached at [email protected], and visit our website at http://mercerisland668.mypack.us. Come join the Pack!

Mercer Island 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 www.Troop457.com or contact outreach coordinator, Karen LeMaster at [email protected] or scoutmaster, Dan Hanson at [email protected]
  
Mercer Island Parks & Recreation Fall/Winter Classes
Parks and Recreation Fall/Winter online, phone and in person registration is open. Find more information and register here. You can register by clicking the course code in the online digital guide. Or call the Community & Event Center to register on 206-275-7609.

MI Parks and Rec Monster Mash Dash - Save the date!
Family One Mile Fun Run
Get outside and go for a run, walk or stroll through gorgeous Luther Burbank park before you gulp down all that candy on Halloween Day! Treats for you and tricks for your dog!  Come dressed up for a costume contest for you and your four legged friend.
Saturday, October 31, 10:00am
Luther Burbank Park South end near swimming beach.  Only $10 per person and kids in strollers are free! Register course #1570 by October 23. Thank you sponsor Kitchen Plus
206-275-7609

  
Kids Co - Before and After School Care
Kids Co's before and after-school programming is designed to meet the particular needs kids have during the non-school hours.  Please feel free to contact Amanda Sherry, Program Manager at 206-437-8396 or visit http://www.kidscompany.org/locations/mercer-island.

Sponge Language Classes
Learning a language is like getting a passport to global citizenship. We want to help your student grow and learn, so they can achieve cultural competency and confidence in their ability to learn a language! Starting young is the best way to give your student an edge.
 
We offer Spanish, Mandarin and French at all three Mercer Island Elementary schools. Students can take morning classes at any schools, as the district provides transport between all schools. We have a NEW class exclusive to Island Park students - Monday afternoon Spanish! Registration and information about tuition and flexible payment plans is available online at www.spongeschool.com/sign-up.
 
Join us on Monday, October 12, from 7-9 pm in the Cafeteria at Medina Elementary, or on Tuesday, October 13 from 7-9pm in the Library at Island Park Elementary. We'll be discussing our program in detail and answering any of your questions at Sponge Curriculum Night. Questions? Send us an email at [email protected] or call (425) 274-5188. We're here to help!

TechSmartKids
TechSmartKids, a leading provider of computer science education for K-12 is offering after school computer coding classes this fall. Coding classes are available as fall session only or full year. Coding classes begin the week of October 5th. More information can be found here.
 
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THANK YOU 2014 -2015 Learning Support SPRING 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