Wangen 534, Williams 490, John-Lewis 438, Ney 312, Vetter 302, Nelson 264, Sandstrom 246, Carlson 242, deStowlinksi 211, Bosse 204, Jarnigan 190, McCann 165, Rorem/Low 160, Kerby 155, Sadlier 146, Brecha 139, Moseley 125, Lepp 116, Lee 114, Oliviera 107, Loser 29, Nielsen 28, Kitchen 23, Millison 10. Our current total is 4750 box tops which means $475!

The class with the most box tops collected by April 1st will receive a Popcorn Party with a free recess and be awarded the Box Top Trophy.

Any questions, email mindyrowe@msn.com.

Last Call for Yearbook Orders

The final deadline to order yearbooks is almost upon us.

Don't miss out on the memories and the fun of yearbook distribution. You may also confirm if you have already ordered yearbooks on this site.

Order a yearbook by April 1st here.

The Island Park yearbook ID Code is: 5529416

Tell Us What You Think

Island Park PTA is currently planning for the 2016-17 school year and we would love to have your input.

Please take a few minutes to answer the following questions on the survey regarding our PTA sponsored programs and events. We are interested in what programs/events you like and which ones you don't. We are also interested in input on programs that other schools in our district currently have that IP does not and your thoughts on those.

Thank you in advance for your time and helping to make Island Park great!

Click here to start the survey.

1st and 2nd Grade Mini-Musicals

The Apr 7, 1.20-1.50pm

A reminder that our 1st and 2nd graders will perform their mini-musicals "The Gunniwolf" and the "Cat and the Rat".

Every child will have a role either as a musician, actor, narrator, or dancer and all children will join in singing the songs. We hope you can join us!

"Books and Bites" at Island Books

to Benefit Northwood PTA

May 12th 9:30am-Noon

Want to purchase a "Birthday Book" for your child? Or purchase an early Father's Day gift? You can even purchase a gift certificate to use for purchases throughout the year! Come have a bite while you shop, mix, and mingle at Island Books (3014 78th Ave SE) with other future Northwood families, all while supporting your school. 20% of all purchases at Island Books on May 12th will benefit Northwood PTA.

Please join us, even if you are not going to Northwood Elementary next year. Not since 1963, when JFK was still President, has there been a new school on the Island. This is a great way to show your support for the new school and to ensure its success.

Island Park Fundraising.
No Extra Spending. No Catches

Use this link when purchasing from Amazon and you'll raise money for Island Park with every purchase.

This is a new link, effective February 7th.

Set a bookmark today.

http://smile.amazon.com/ch/91-6179657

Cut these coupons on popular products and send them in to school for collation. Save them for competitions run throughout the year or just send them straight in. Either way you'll help raise money for Island Park.

It's time to get dirty!

Interested kids (with a parent please) are invited to come to the Learning Garden next Friday April 1st from 3:30-5:00pm.

We are making plans for Spring and have a lot of cleanup to do to get ready. We have tools but feel free to bring your own. Water and light snack will be provided!

Island Park Art Club

Now registering for the Spring Session: April 19- June 16 on Tuesdays or Thursdays 3:30-5:00pm after school in Room 22 for grades 1-5.

Join us for art making in a relaxed and fun group (max.12). We will use a variety of media and be inspired by major artists and themes, and build basic art vocabulary and skills.

Snack included, $180 for 9 weeks.

Email Anne Hritzay at ahritzay@comcast.net to reserve your spot!

Click here to download the registration form.

Science Fun Night - More People To Thank

Please help us give a round of applause to the following people for their work on PTA Science Fun Night!

A HUGE thank you to Rubina Arif, co-chairperson of PTA Science Fun Night. Rubina was the mastermind who coordinated the science activities, collected all of the supplies and materials and made the evening run smoothly. Rubina, thank you for sharing your time and talent the last two years to make Science Fun Night great!

We also wanted to personally recognize the parent volunteers who helped coordinate the check-in process for Science Fun Night - a critical part of making the event happen! Thanks to Carol Gregory, Danielle Orr-Bement, Jen Capasso, Jill Simmons, Kiyomi Donner and Rebecca Moyle-Croft!

And finally to one of the Experiment Leads who we missed thanking in the previous newsletter. Thanks to Ky Haverkamp for sharing his suturing skills with the students in the mini-medical school activity as they sutured a banana "wound".

Breakfast of Champions

April 26th, 7-8.30am

You won't want to miss the opportunity to hear awe-inspiring stories and experience the power of donor investment that has created a legacy of excellence on Mercer Island to meet the 21st century needs of every student!

Join Mrs D, Ms John-Lewis and Mrs Kerby at one of our Island Park tables. Click here to reserve your seat. Don't forget to say you want to sit at an Island Park table!

PTA General Meeting Change

Please join us from 9:15-11am in the library on April 28th for our PTA General Meeting.

THANK YOU

Spring Party and Auction

The 2016 Island Park Spring Party and Auction was a huge success thanks to our small village of amazing volunteers, our generous sponsors and the awesome Island Park parent community. Together we raised over $55,000 for the Island Park Learning Support Programs!

Our communities are strong, and we also know how to have fun! Thanks for coming out for a wonderful evening in support of Island Park!

Heartfelt thanks from the Island Park PTA to these individuals for their help putting together this wonderful community event!

Spring Party Committee: Alex & Bryan Hart, Claire & Simon Joinson, Andrea Simpson, Lesley & Gus Poole, Becky McCauley (who is a Lakeridge mom, back just to help us), Beth Goodman, Kirk Robinson, Leah Gale, Suzanne & Chris Plambeck, Patrick Dougherty, Shelly Johnson, Billy Poll, Chad Reibman, Jen Draper, Edie Shen, Elizabeth Kaplan, Kristi Mehal, Greg Brown (of MIMX, such a fantastic band), Heather Fowler, Melissa Prock.

Party volunteers: Sheryl Human, Alexandra Schatz, Andy & Susan Hamp, Amy Richter, Kanako Kashima, Kristi & Gus Mehas, Mindy Rowe, Samantha Moseley, Scott Barneson, Tyler Simpson, Kim Chou, Nicole Kelly, Erin McGuire, Ricca Poll, Jola Jensen, Abigail Little, Jen Sadlier, Dave McKanna, Jan Vetter, Sandra Chow, Karen Swift, Marni & Todd Seneker.

Live Program Enhancers: Amy Kerby, Cheryl Sandstrom, Kate Lepp, Libby Wotipka, Lori Destwolinski.

And last but not least, a huge thank you to this year's Event Chair Pam Hinnen who led this important fundraising project for the Island Park Learning Support Programs.

COUNSELOR'S CORNER

Hello Island Park families,

I can't believe that we only have a few more months until school is over! I don't know about you, but it feels like a whirlwind year! I was remembering when my kids were in elementary school and the parents of older kids would tell me "hold on to these years, they are so fleeting and they go so fast" and I would think to myself, "are my kids ever going to grow up and be able to take care of themselves?". Now, my daughter is a junior in high school and my son is a freshman in college. They are amazing people; self-sufficient, kind and independent. Still, what I wouldn't give for just a little bit longer to read to them, tuck them into bed, go for a walk with them through puddles in their little boots and listen to them talk about their day...life is so busy and everyone is always trying to do so much. Now, I feel like those parents giving the reminder about how precious this time is!

A friend recently shared an article from the Huffington Post about how affluent children are living a life so full of choices that they become overwhelmed and can exhibit the same symptoms as children with PTSD. Our children today are growing up so much faster and we expect so much more from them. The author of Simplicity Parenting, Kim John Payne describes the four pillars of excess as having too much stuff, too many choices, too much information and too much speed. He says, "when children are overwhelmed they lose the precious down time they need to explore, reflect and release tension. Too many choices erodes happiness, robbing kids of the gift of boredom which encourages creativity and self-directed learning...Our children have their whole lives to be adults and to deal with the complexities of life, but only a fleetingly short time in which they can be kids. Silly, fun loving kids".

I love this article, and plan to read the book...someday, when I have a little more time. Believe me, I get the irony!

Click here to read the article.

Heartfully,

Ms. Liana

MERCER ISLAND RESOURCES FOR PARENTS AND FAMILIES

Mercer Island Parent Edge Mercer Island Schools Foundation Mercer Island Youth and Family Services

MI Parent Edge Presents

Liliana Lengua, Ph.D. Wednesday, April 27th 9:30am at Lakeridge Elementary

Supporting Elementary-Aged Children Through Change: Promoting Resilient Responses to Life's Stresses.

Join us for a morning with Dr. Lengua as she discusses how effective parenting, supported by mindfulness, can promote our children's resilient responses to stress. With a new school opening in the fall and the exciting changes it brings to the entire elementary community, this will be a timely lecture in which Dr. Lengua will share strategies and knowledge to help us all grow through life's various transitions.

Free for Mercer Island PTA Members

$10 at the door for non-MI PTA Members - Bring a friend!

Special Announcement:

Our friends at ParentMap are offering a special discount on their upcoming lecture series for Mercer Island Parents! Go to ParentMap Lecture Series to see their great line-up and use the code "MIPE16 at check out. Thank you Parent Map!

Visit www.miparentedge.org for more information.

Parent 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!

Sponge Summer Camps

Hola! Ni Hao! Summer will be here before you know it, and it's time to start getting camp plans in order - we're excited to offer language immersion camps in Spanish and Mandarin Chinese. This year, we'll be exploring exotic destinations, cuisines, environments, and celebrations from around the globe. Our dynamic teachers will lead campers in crafts, games, cooking, science, drama, and outdoor play. It's an excellent opportunity to keep up language over the summer, or to try something totally new!

Week long camps will be offered at Bellevue Montessori School and the Parkside School in Seattle's Capitol Hill neighborhood, from June 20-July 22. Camps are open to K-2nd grade students, and run 9am-3pm. Aftercare is available until 5pm. For more information and to register for camp, visit us online . Contact us by email at info@spongeschool.com or give us a call at (425) 274-5188 with any questions.

Life Is Better When We STICK Together

Calling all MI Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd Grade boys and girls. It's The Great Stick Giveaway.

Join us on Sunday, April 3rd, anytime between 11am-1pm at LID C. Youth will be given a stick and participate in a free lacrosse clinic. Already play for one of the clubs? Refer a friend and you'll get a stick too! Come join the fun and learn why lacrosse is the fastest growing sport!

Questions: jolajensen4@gmail.com or suzannemcint@gmail.com.

Sponsored by MI Boys & Girls Lacrosse Clubs

Island Residents Only

Spring at Youth Theatre Northwest

April is just around the corner. If you're behind on planning your child's Spring Break or other after school activities, YTN is here to save the day.

Spring Break Camps: Magic to Do!

For grades K-2 and 3-5. 25% new student discount.

Students will explore our enchanting theme, Magic to Do! Students will undertake projects using art, music, acting and movement. Who knows where their imaginations may take them! Join us at the end of the week and see what kind of performance we can pull out of our hats.

For information and online registration, visit www.youththeatre.org, call our Registrar Stephanie at 206-232-4145 (ext. 100) or email registrar@youththeatre.org.

Spring Classes

For ages 3-5 & grades K-12. 25% new student discount.

Creative drama and acting classes develop imagination, build independent and critical thinking, nurture social growth and the ability to work with others, improve communication skills, increase knowledge of self, and provide a healthy release of emotions. This quarter's theme based classes will get your child up on their feet and challenge them to reach their full creative potential. Visit our website to review our full class offerings and register online.

Seattle Girls' Choir - Summer Music Day Camp

For kids who love to sing and want to explore music. Two Sessions: July 18-22 and July 25-29

Full Day Camp

2nd - 5th Grade Girls 10:00 - 3:00

Sing In A Choir | Play Chimes Folk Dancing | Arts & Crafts | Instrumental Orff Ensemble

Musical Mornings

Girls & Boys 4 - 6 years old 9:30 - noon

Musical Story Telling | Movement | Singing Games | Instrument Playing

For a registration form visit our website: www.seattlegirlschoir.org Email: info@seattlegirlschoir.org | Phone: 206-526-1900

The Bell Bottom Bash!

The Boys & Girls Club Spring Party is Sat, April 2nd at the Old Boys & Girls Club

There will be a Lava Lounge, International Boxes of Mystery, a super groovy Live Auction, and a Dance Off!

To register please visit https://my.bidpal.net/springparty

Mercer Island High School Boys Soccer - Cheer On Your High School Team

The Mercer Island High School Boy's Soccer season is under way. Coach Colin Rigby's talented squad is pursing a league title and another state playoff berth. Come out, watch some outstanding soccer and support the team. You can find the team's game schedule here.

Want to know more about MIHS Boys Soccer? Click here for information on the pathway to MIHS Boys Soccer.

Mercer Island Football Club

Friday April 8th is Mercer Island FC Spirit Day. It's time to show your spirit - Mercer Island FC Recreational and Micro soccer registration are now open. Don't delay, do it today. In addition, Select tryouts start are scheduled for late April and early March. Check the club website for the exact date and time for your tryout. You can register for Micro soccer, Recreational soccer and Select tryouts here. With so much going on, it's time to wear your jersey to school and show your MIFC Club pride!

LEGO Summer Camps for the Serious Builder - By Bippity Bricks

Choose from "In a galaxy far, far away..." or "Tree house adventure".

These camps are great for kids who enjoy building a variety of challenging kits, want to explore how to do more interesting free building, and get ideas for how to play with what they've built. Towards the end of the week, participants will need to bring an iPad with the free app LEGO Movie Maker installed.

Click here for flyer.

For more information contact Alice: 206 232 5147 or alice@bippitybricks.com

MIPA's 50th Annual Circus!

MIPA's 50th Annual Circus!

Sat, Apr 23, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Mercer Island High School

http://mipreschoolassociation.org/mipa-events/circus/

Calling all Toddlers, Preschoolers and Kindergartners! The Circus is on its way!

This event is 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!

Destination Science Camps

The fun science day camp for curious kids from 5-11. From roller coasters to robots, Destination Science provides a fun, safe and hands-on environment for exploration with STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) and next generation science standards. Choose from Roller Coaster Science, Robot Challenge Science, Space Quest Science, and Super Hero Physics Science Camps. Held at Northwest Yeshiva HS, Mercer Island (and other venues).

More info destinationscience.org or call 1.888.909.2822

Soccer Camps

Mercer Island FC's Spring Soccer Academy and Get Ready for Select training clinics are now open for registration. Click here for information on the training clinics and how to register.

Questions? Email miysc.registrar@live.com

SJCC Summer Camps

Whether you're a seasoned camp vet or this is your first time at the J, the 2016 campers are in for an amazing summer. The first step is finding the right camp for your kids. Camps are suitable for kids entering pre-K to 10th grade. Early registration discount (10%) applies to those registering by April 8.

Click here for more details.

Questions? Contact Josh JoshN@sjcc.org or 206 388 0830.

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. 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? Phone: 425-283-0549. Website: www.chess4life.com. Email: Kids@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: www.joinmigirlscouts.weebly.com.

Any questions? Contact lorikovarik@comcast.net

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 Classes

The Parks & Recreation Department's Spring/Summer recreation guide is available to preview now!

http://digital.nexsitepublishing.com/i/650433-spring-summer-2016/0?

Online Registration begins 3/14 and in person or by phone on 3/16. 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 Jamie Glennon, Program Manager at 206-437-8396 or visit http://www.kidscompany.org/locations/mercer-island.

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. Subscriptions now on sale for the 2015-2016 Season.

View our School Year Catalogue here for more information on our school year classes and break camps.

Island Park Elementary (IPE) PTA and the Mercer Island School District have neither reviewed nor approved the programs, personnel, activities or organizations announced in these flyers or websites. The participants agree to protect, indemnify, and hold harmless the district and IPE PTA, including elected and appointed officials, employees, agents, staff and volunteers, from any and all claims, liabilities, damages, expenses, or rights of action, directly or indirectly attributed to the activities. Permission to distribute this information and or flyers should not be considered a recommendation of the programs by the school district or by the IPE PTA. These are neither school district nor IPE PTA sponsored activities.

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