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ISLAND PARK EAGLE NEWS
Island Park Elementary PTA
May 1, 2016
Dr. Gary Plano
FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT
 
Dear families, staff and friends of Mercer Island Schools,
 
As we enter the homestretch of the 2015-16 school year, I'd like to share a few important updates with you....

  • Breakfast of Champions fundraising continues until June 10
  • Dedication of Northwood Elementary
  • Washington Achievement Awards
  • Elementary Spanish-language program
  • Later start for HS on Wednesdays next fall
  • Elementary Bell Times

Follow us for the latest updates on
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mercerislandschooldistrict
and Twitter: @mercerislandsd


In This Issue
:: Staff Appreciation Week
:: Music Update
:: PTA Reimbursement
:: Learning Garden
:: Nancy Schaps Memorial Grant
:: Graduate Grams
:: Books and Bites
:: Be Part of Island History
:: Survey Thanks
:: Summer Camps
:: Counselor's Corner
:: Parent Edge Events
Upcoming Events

Islandwood - 5th Grade
May 2nd - 6th

National Teacher Appreciation Week
May 2nd - 6th

Open House at Island Park May for new families coming to IP 
May 18th 5.00-7.00pm 

Scheduled Weather Day - No School
May 27th

Memorial Day - No School 
May 30th

Jammin' in Jammies
June 3rd 7.30am

Hoe Down
June 10th 6.00-8.00pm

STAFF APPRECIATION WEEK
May 2nd-6th
 
We invite parents and students to show your gratitude to the Island Park staff this week.  Here are the daily activities PTA has planned for the staff. Please participate if you are able!!
 
Monday: Snack Bar - help us stock the snack bar for our staff: granola bars, fruit, popcorn, etc...
Tuesday: Flowers - please bring a flower or plant and room parents will put together bouquets for the staff
Wednesday: Note of gratitude - bring staff card or note to show your appreciation
Thursday: Wear Island Park colors to show your Eagle pride
Friday: Staff Luncheon - PTA will provide lunch for the staff.  Please sign up to donate!
 
Sign up here for snack bar and luncheon donations.

Music Update

I am excited to announce that we have begun rehearsing for this year's fifth grade production of The Jungle Book! 

In keeping with the Island Park tradition, every fifth grader will be part of this wonderful production. This means every student will appear on stage in a scene, have the opportunity to have a speaking line if they desire, and perform in a class dance! 

Please contact Susan Hamp if you would be willing to assist!

Sincerely, 
Susan Hamp
Music Specialist

PTA Reimbursement Due Date Approaching

If you require a PTA Reimbursement for money spent this school year, please send in documentation by June 15th. End of year parties reimbursements are due June 23rd. 

Please submit documentation in the file in the office. 

Reimbursement document can be found here

Learning Garden
Learning Garden Off To A Great Start This Spring!
 
Thank you to everyone who has helped out so far. In addition to veggies such as tomatoes, squash and cucumber, we are excited to have many butterfly and hummingbird-attracting plants this year. 

Starting the week of May 2, students can come by during their first recess to help maintain the garden or work on special projects. 

We will also be holding work parties on Fridays from 3:30-4:30 for kids and parents interested in helping out. Please note kids must have a adult with them. 

Email [email protected] with any questions.

Shelly Johnson & Karolina Zalewska

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.

Box Tops
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.

Nancy Schaps Memorial Grant

The Nancy Schaps Memorial Grant (formerly Scholarship) was established in the memory of Nancy Schaps to provide a meaningful experience (such as attending a camp, taking lessons, visiting a friend or relative, participating in a sport or arts activity) for a child or youth who is experiencing or has experienced a parent's terminal illness or death or a parent's active duty with the military.  

The request for funds can be submitted by a counselor, teacher, parent or community member.
 
Applications and information are available on the Mercer Island PTA Council website.

Applications due by Friday, May 27, 2016. 

If you have any questions, please contact Caroline Hughes [email protected] or 206-851-0061.

Tradition on MI: Graduate Grams
Every spring, the Mercer Island PTA Council produces and mails thousands of Graduate Gram greetings to the homes of Mercer Island students. 

Whether graduating from Preschool, Kindergarten, 5th Grade, 8th Grade, High School or College, all students love receiving these personalized certificates in the mail. Each hand prepared "Grad Gram" congratulates the recipient and acknowledges the sender. 
 
All funds raised through the purchase of Graduate Grams go directly into the MI PTA Council Community Scholarship Fund which honors graduating seniors for their achievement, hard work, and attitude. 
 
Visit this link to order. 

"Books and Bites" at Island Books 
Book Swap
to Benefit Northwood PTA
May 12th 9:30am-Noon

Come have a bite while you shop, mix, and mingle at Island Books with other future Northwood families, all while supporting your school.  20% of all purchases at Island Books on May 12th will benefit Northwood PTA.

Be a Part of Island History

In less than five months, the beautiful Northwood Elementary will open its doors. To commemorate this milestone moment, the Northwood PTA is offering all families, friends, staff, and supporters of Northwood Elementary the opportunity to leave a permanent, personalized mark on a brick in Northwood's unique outdoor play area.  

For further information and to view all the possible options, please check our website.

This opportunity will only be open until June 30, 2016.  If you have any questions, please contact [email protected].

Survey Thanks

Thank you to everyone who provided feedback regarding the Island Park PTA sponsored programs and events. 

Summer Camps

We have had many requests to share information about summer camps on Mercer Island . There are so many options we just had to point you to our activities section below. 

COUNSELOR'S CORNER

Hello families, 
 
Lots of students at Island Park are talking about upcoming changes next year. Discussing this is part of the delicate balancing act that we do as parents. If your student is changing schools or staying at Island Park, try to keep connections with your child's friends even though they might be at different schools, especially in the beginning while they are establishing new relationships and friendships. This may help to minimize the feelings of isolation and loneliness. Remind them of changes they have made in the past (no matter how great or small) where they were successful in developing new relationships and connections. We have all been new at one time or another. Remember, children live in the moment and don't have perspective about how things might turn out.
 
We as parents have the ability to script ahead of time what their experience might be, and it will benefit all if we script it in a way that builds confidence that they are resilient, strong, and have the ability to speak up and get help if things aren't going well for them. Try to avoid "Yes, but..." statements. If your child says "I don't want to go to a new school!" you may want to say "I know, but you will be fine and do great! Isn't it exciting that you get to go to a new school and meet new kids?" There are many parts of this sentence that are great but the reason this isn't the best strategy is because it doesn't allow enough time and acknowledgement of the child's feelings. Give more time and reflect on the emotion behind the statements. Child: "I don't want to go to a new school!" Parent: "I think you are feeling nervous and uncertain about what it's going to be like at the new school. Change can be hard for a lot of people and you are not alone. Kids and adults almost always get nervous and jittery about new experiences. What makes you the most nervous?" (Later, you have a separate conversation about the positive aspects of the change, or if you feel the child has been heard and is open to hearing the positive aspects of change then insert here.) Remind them it takes time to make an adjustment.
 
Warmly, Ms. Liana


MI Parent Edge Presents

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!

Screenagers - Growing Up in the Digital Age
Wednesday May 18th 7pm
This 90-minute documentary sheds light on the impact screen time has on families and explores how learning, playing, and socializing online affects teens' developing attention span, fragile self-esteem, and moral instincts.
Post-film panel discussion features experts in teen technology, education, healthcare, and brain science. Moderated by Scilla Andreen, the movie's producer/ executive producer and CEO of IndieFlix.
Tickets: $15 | $12 SJCC members/seniors/students/youth and MI PTA members
Buy tickets online here

WISE Science Camps
WISE camps offer exciting chemistry and math courses in the morning & afternoon in August for students entering grades 3-9 at Newport High School in Bellevue. The science camps are designed to give students hands-on experience with lab equipment and learn basic chemistry (students will learn the chemistry behind fire, tie-dye, color-changing reactions and so much more!!!). The math camps are designed to excite students about advanced topics with tons of hands-on activities! Cost of the camp includes a t-shirt for tie-dying and lunch on campus for those who choose to do full day. See flyer here. Questions?  Contact Mrs. Baker or Mr. Nonis at 
[email protected]. Register at: www.wisecamps.com.

Cross Fit Kids Camp
Join us for a weeklong 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 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 while moving and engaging in individual and team activities.
When: Monday-Friday, June 27-July 1, 1-4pm with a possible second session August 1-5th.
Where: Mercer Island CrossFit
Who: Kids ages 6-10yrs 
Cost: $210,  includes a healthy snack
To Register: Visit this link.  

Youth Football Registration 
Junior Football Registration is OPEN for current 2nd - 5th Graders. Register online at mi.positiveplace.org or call 206.436.1939
Tackle Football
- Practice starts August 8th
- Registration includes FREE Summer Speed and Conditioning Camp (July 11 - August 11)
Football Camp
- 6-9pm MIHS Stadium July 25th - 28th                 

Northwest Boychoir
Make your appointment for September enrollment. Boys entering first to fourth grades in the fall are invited to audition on June 11th, or at a time convenient to you. We are celebrating more than 40 years of helping young people discover the joy of singing. More info here.
Contact: 206 524 3234 www.nwboychoir.org 

Engineering with LEGO� Summer Camps with Mercer Island Parks & Rec.
Kids are already naturally gifted creators. Then they get added inspiration from our specially trained instructors. They dive into our massive collections of LEGO�. And while they build elaborate objects, structures and vehicles, they explore fundamentals principles of engineering and physics. They also learn to collaborate and create without fear of mistakes. The experience is joyful, the impact long lasting. lasting.
Learn more and register at www.play-well.org
Full summer camp schedule at Mercer Island Community Center here

Welcome back to Island Hoop Camp! 
The MI Boys Basketball Booster Club is thrilled to have Coach Cree and his staff back for six amazing summer camps for players entering grades 1-8 in Fall 2016. Most of the coaches are former Mercer Island players and coaches. Camper-to-coach ratio is typically 8:1 or less. Come out and learn to play Mercer Island basketball!  
Register now at  www.mibasketball.org.
All Camps will be held at Mercer Island High School. 
Dates, times, and eligibility information can be found in this document.

Music Works Northwest Camps
Students from ages 4 to 16 are invited to join us this summer at Music Works Northwest to learn, collaborate, make music, and have fun! We have camps for all ages and abilities, weekly from June 27th through August 19. Extended care is available for most sessions, as is financial aid. For more information and to register, you can visit  http://www.musicworksnw.org/programs/summer-camps.html, email [email protected], or call us at (425) 644-0988. 

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 [email protected] or give us a call at (425) 274-5188 with any questions. 
Register by April 15 and save up to $100 per student with early bird prices!!

Summer at Youth Theatre Northwest
YTN is seeking youth actors, grades 2 - 12, for its anticipated 2016 Summerstock Season. Every year, during the summer months, YTN produces three shows on Mercer Island with approximately 50 youth actors. This summer's productions are the musical Cats and the play Glinda of Oz. Additionally, YTN's improvisational comedy group Chaos Theory will also perform. Every child that wants to be considered for a role must audition. See more information about auditions at this link.

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: [email protected] | Phone: 206-526-1900 

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
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 [email protected]
 
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 [email protected]

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 [email protected] 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: [email protected]

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  [email protected]

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