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ISLAND PARK EAGLE NEWS
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Island Park Elementary PTA
October 25, 2015
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PRESIDENTS' MESSAGE
The Island Park PTA 2015-2016 School Year is Off to a Great Start!
Now that the 2015-16 school year is well under way and we've
all settled into our Fall schedules, the Island Park PTA Executive Committee would like to take a moment to thank all of our wonderful teachers, staff, and volunteers for making the transition back to school a breeze. The Island Park PTA, along with these amazing people, are working hard on many levels to bring fun and educational programs, events, services, and opportunities to our children to enrich their academic experience.
One way in which the Island Park PTA helps our children is by financially supporting these wonderful programs. Each Fall, the Island Park PTA holds an ASK Campaign, where families contribute money directly to Island Park PTA that allows us to fund student programs, curriculum enrichment, and learning support at our school. Although there are various smaller fundraising efforts throughout the year, the Ask Campaign funds the majority of our PTA budget; for a breakdown of what the PTA funds please visit our website at Islandparkpta.org, fundraising goals/where the money goes.
We are very pleased to announce that with your donations, we have raised over $45k for our PTA's Operating Fund, which pays for student programs, field trips, and curriculum enrichment. However, we are still short of our target goal which is $75k dollars. This amount will allow us to keep all our current programs at Island Park. In addition to our Operating Fund, we have raised over $78k for additional Learning Support. Learning Support funds put paraprofessionals in the classrooms and greatly benefits our children. We are again short of our goal, which is $185k and would allow four full-time paraprofessionals to be at Island Park next year. We still have work to do! We want to encourage all of our families to participate in this Ask Campaign at any level that feels comfortable for them. We are asking a donation of $475 per child. The PTA Executive Committee is currently discussing having a Spring Party and Auction to aid in reaching our goals. Thank you to all of our families who have already donated as we truly appreciate all your support and donations! If you have any questions, please contact Karen Swift or Pam Hinnen, our Vice Presidents of Ways & Means at fundraising@islandparkpta.org.
In closing, we are always looking for volunteers! There are many different ways to get involved in the PTA, and we love to see new people come on board. We could not do all of these amazing programs, fundraisers, and fun activities without parent involvement. So if you are interested in getting more involved, please email us at president@islandparkpta.org.
Abigail Little and Jen Sadlier
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 IP International Night
Tremendous thank you to Kristi Kile, Peter Goodman, Gus Poole, Karen Swift and Ricca Poll for your help planning and running a successful International Night.
Thank you to all the families and students who came and represented a country at the event, your time and creativity are what makes this event so special!
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Parent Advisory Committee (PAC)
The Island Park Parent Advisory Committee (PAC) is comprised of a representative group of parents, staff and the school principal. We welcome all school community members to help achieve our goals!
Contact your grade level representative for more information or to talk. The committee meets the last Tuesday of each month. You can find the minutes of each meeting posted at the Island Park Elementary PAC page.
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The Mercer Island School District Wants Your Input
Please come and share your ideas with the Mercer Island School District Board of Directors regarding education in Mercer Island Public Schools. The district wants to know what you think about:
- The School District's goals for learning and its implementation of the 2020 Vision
- The school construction projects currently underway
- Renewal of the Capital Facilities Levy and the Transport Levy next February.
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Let Your Imagination Fly
Unleash Your Inner Artist and be Part of the PTA's Reflections Program
Choreograph a dance, produce a film, write poem or story, compose a song, take a picture or create a piece of visual art and tell us what this year's theme "Let Your Imagination Fly" means to you.
Detailed rules and entry forms are on online or pick up a hard copy from the Island Park front office. Return forms by Dec 2. Winning entries will be recognized at a district wide awards ceremony, and all first place entries will move onto the State level competition.
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Upcoming Events
Mercer Island Schools Foundation
Phone-a-thon
Mon & Tues, Oct 26th & 27th
Halloween Parade
Fri, Oct 30th 2:00-2:45pm
Picture Retake Day
Tue, Nov 3rd
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
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Island Park PTA General Meeting
Tuesday Nov 10th at 9.10am
Please join the Island Park PTA on Tuesday, Nov 10th at 9:10am for our General Meeting.
At this meeting we will hear from Mindy Smith from the Committee for Mercer Island Public Schools (CMIPS), a group that is revived when a school board/levy approaches. Mindy will present information about the levies up for renewal in February. There will then be a vote to determine whether Island Park's PTA will endorse the renewal of these levies.
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Calling All Scientists
Science Fun Night EXPERIMENT LEADS Wanted
The 2nd Annual Island Park PTA Science Fun Night is being planned for Wednesday, March 2, 2016 6-8 pm. We are looking for Island Park parents who work in science-related fields (or parents who just love science!) to be Experiment Leads at the PTA Science Fun Night.
If you have an idea for a hands-on activity, that is great. However, we also have a number of activities all ready to go and just need someone to lead the activity. Activities can focus on health sciences, engineering, research, environmental sciences or any other science area. If you are interested or have questions about the Experiment Lead role, contact Michelle Ritter at mcodyritter@yahoo.com.
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Join Us - Northwood Elementary PTA Charter Meeting
Monday November 2, 7pm West Mercer Elementary Library
As the Northwood Elementary PTA gets up and running, there will be many opportunities for families to get involved in the planning and preparation. To be successful, community support and participation in this process is critical.
As a first step, please attend the Northwood PTA Charter Meeting on Monday, November 2, 2015 at 7:00 pm at the West Mercer Elementary Library. At this meeting, the Northwood PTA will officially be created! We need a minimum of 25 members to attend this meeting and pay PTA dues to be recognized as an official PTA. Please join us and become one of the first members of the Northwood PTA (don't forget your checkbook to pay your PTA membership dues)!
If you are unable to attend the meeting, but are interested in getting involved, contact Michelle Ritter at mcodyritter@yahoo.com.
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Library Now Open Before School
Hello Island Park Families,
First of all, thank you for the very warm welcome to Island Park! I've met so many wonderful, supportive families. The staff and students are amazing. It's exciting to be a part of this community.
One of my goals for this year is to make the library more accessible to students and families. One way I'm doing this is by having the library open before school. Students may come with their parents to browse and check out books. I would love to help with any recommendations. The library is used for meetings on Thursday mornings, otherwise the library will be open from 8:45-9:00am.
Please stop by!
Sincerely,
Brigit White
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Counselor's Corner
Hello families!
By the time you read this, Island Park will be finished with the Second Step Bullying Prevention Unit and moving towards working on being respectful, using self-talk, being assertive and managing emotions like anger, embarrassment, anxiety and frustration in healthy ways. We are all working hard on taking personal responsibility for ourselves and our actions, playing fairly on the playground and solving problems. I am hearing fantastic student-generated discussions in classrooms, hallways and at recess about ways to calm down using mindfulness, ways to reduce bullying behavior, what to do as a bystander, how to show empathy and ways to be kind. There are lots of great resources in our Island Park and Mercer Island libraries for books and shows on reducing bullying behavior and this link may be helpful. Thank you to all of you who have brought little fabric hearts for me to share with your kids. They are a huge hit and I am seeing beautiful hearts on desks and in pockets. My goal is for every Island Park student to receive a heart at some point during their time here and I am handing them out almost as fast as I receive them! The kids love the reminder of how much we all care about them. Your children are amazing and I am so grateful to be at Island Park. Thank you Liana
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MERCER ISLAND LEGISLATIVE UPDATES AND EVENTS
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Candidates Forum - Focus on Schools (Hosted by MI PTA Council).
October 26, 7-9 pm, West Mercer Elementary Gym
Ballots have arrived. Do you know how the candidates stand on school related issues? Come get informed and hear from all of the Mercer Island candidates running in the November 3 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
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.
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MERCER ISLAND RESOURCES FOR PARENTS AND FAMILIES
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MI Parent Edge 2015-2016 Parent Education
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 MI Parent Edge is jointly sponsored by the PTA's of Lakeridge, Island Park, West Mercer, Islander Middle, and MIHS schools and MIPA.
Mercer Island Band Boosters Presents
Island ¡Carnival! A Band Together Fundraiser for Grades 5 - 12
Saturday, November 7, 2015, 6:00-10:00 pm
Mercer Island Community Center
Don't miss this unique evening to support Mercer Island School District band programs. The evening's theme, "Island ¡Carnival!" will feature an eclectic mix of music by Seattle-based band En Canto, wine, beer, hors d'oeuvres and desserts with a Brazilian flair along with one-of-a-kind Live and Silent auction items. Tickets for this adults only event are available in limited quantity for $75 per person.
MIPA Toy Swap
Clean out your closets and consign or donate gently used children's toys, clothing, books, and equipment including larger items like bikes and scooters. We will also be accepting maternity clothing, baby clothing, toys and items like cribs, pack n' plays, strollers and diaper bags. We will NOT be accepting stuffed animals.
Things can be donated or dropped off for consignment. For people wishing to consign, there will be a consignment sheet to fill out. All drop offs will be at the Old Boys and Girls Club on 2825 W. Mercer Way. Don't miss your chance to donate!
8:45am: Pre-sale for MIPA members who have volunteered at least 3 hours
9:00am-11:00am: Toy swap open to the public!
12:00pm-1:00pm: Half-price sale
When: Saturday November 7th 9am-11am and then 12-1pm half price sale
Where: Mercer Island High School, 9100 SE 42nd Street.
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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!
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MIPA Halloween Party
MIPA's Halloween Party is a fun, non-spooky event designed for preschoolers and all children ages 1 to 6. Fun Halloween-themed crafts, games, and activities, and of course, tricks and treats! Parents are invited to bring children dressed up in costume. There will be Halloween-themed crafts, games, activities, and, of course, tricks and treats! Parents are invited to bring their children dressed up in their favorite costumes! Join us this year:
When: Saturday, October 31st, 2015, 10 am - Noon
Where: Mercer Island Community Center, Mercer Room, 8236 SE 24th Street, Mercer Island, WA
Who: Families with children ages 1 to 6
Cost: $3 per child for MIPA members, $5 per child for non-members
Website link: http://mipreschoolassociation.org/halloween-party/
Get Your Little Dribblers Signed Up
The Little Dribblers program run by the MI Boys Basketball Booster Club is the most successful and fun youth basketball program on Mercer Island, with a rich 40+ year history of creating passionate ballers. Get your boys on the court each Saturday learning from the Island's best coaches and players.
Dates: December 5th, 12th, 19th, January 9th, 23rd & 30th and February 6th
Location: Mercer Island High School Main Gym
Fee: $85
Schedule:
2nd, 3rd and 4th graders 9:00 am - 10:00 am
5th and 6th graders 10:00 am - 11:00 am
7th, 8th and 9th graders 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
All MI Select players are automatically registered and paid - no additional steps are required. All others register at www.mibasketball.org. Registration will open on 10/23.
THE YOUTH BASKETBALL TRADITION!
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 sandyglass1@gmail.com for more information. Applications due by October 30.
Mercer Island Library Celebration and Songs
Join us for a day-long Celebration of Stories & Songs at the Mercer Island Library on Saturday, November 7th. From 10am to 5pm the library will be filled with programs, crafts and fun-filled experiences for everyone! Enjoy some of the 14 programs offered that day including Nancy Stewart, Charlie Williams (the Noise Guy), Book-it Theater and Live Paint!
Chess Club
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
Tuesdays don't work for your child's schedule? Chess4Life offers a variety of programs that share the same set of benefits by Teaching Life Skills Through Chess. Our programs promote fun, positive learning, valuable life skills that support academic learning and much more!
Call today for a FREE chess assessment (a $45 value) for our Premium Center Classes located in Bellevue, Redmond, Bothell, Renton and Issaquah.
Questions? Like to register?
Mercer Island Girl Scouts
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 klemaster@comcast.net or scoutmaster, Dan Hanson at danhanson@troop457.com
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.
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
Hola! Ni Hao! Bonjour! Early language learning is a giant gift! We're fortunate to be able to offer classes on Mercer Island. Classes are up and running for the year, and you can still join! We commit to immersion and small classes. This means that students can be successful regardless of when they start. Want to learn more? Get our Elementary Newsletter at www.spongeschool.com/sign-up/newsletter/ - it's full of what we're learning in class, logistics, and some resources for learning at home. There's still room in many of our classes at all three Mercer Island Elementary schools, and your student can take morning classes at West Mercer, Island Park, or Lakeridge, regardless of their home school! Schedule, registration and information about tuition and flexible payment plans is available online at www.spongeschool.com/sign-up.
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.
Seattle Children's Theatre
2015-2016 Season and Drama School
With an emphasis on imagination, humor, creativity and empathy, Seattle Children's Theatre (SCT) once again demonstrates its commitment to excellence in theatre for young audiences with the announcement of its 41st season.
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Mercer Island School District
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Island Park PTA
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THANK YOU 2014 -2015 Learning Support SPRING AUCTION SPONSORS!
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