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Greetings!
Welcome to the second edition of The Wolf Newsletter for the 2014-2015 school year!
As the evenings get cooler and the days get shorter, school events and community activities are heating up! Included in this issue are extracurricular opportunities and ways of keeping updated on important community issues, like district construction projects. As always, volunteers are a huge part of what make West Mercer so great, so please consider responding to one of the volunteer requests listed below.
Happy Fall!
-The West Mercer PTA
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Mark Your Calendars:
Friday, September 19: Parent Packets Due!
Monday, September 22: First Day of Story/Drama Art Club, 3:30pm @ Portable G
Monday, September 22: Sponge Language Classes parent orientation meeting, 7pm at the Mercer Island Community Center
Monday, September 22: Monday Art Club begins 3:30 @ Room 3
Wednesday, September 24: First day of Wednesday Early Release Art Club, 2pm @ Room 1
Thursday, September 25: First day of Thursday Art Club 3:30pm @ Room 3
Friday, September 26: Principal's Coffee, 9:30am
Friday, September 26: Popcorn Friday, 11am-1pm
Wednesday, October 1: West Mercer Elementary Fall Cleanup, 2pm-4pm
Thursday, October 2: New Families Welcome Social, Grades 1-5 (parents only!) 7pm
Wednesday, October 8: Walk-to-School Day! Please email Amy Lavin (aclarfeld@hotmail.com) if you're willing to be a neighborhood walk leader
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WEST MERCER ANNOUNCEMENTS
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REMINDER:
Parent Packs are due TOMORROW!!
Friday, September 19
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West Mercer Goes GREEN!!
West Mercer implemented a new online Parent Pack and registration process this Fall! We hope you found this new process easier and more convenient!
In addition, THIS NEW SYSTEM IS GREEN!
DID YOU KNOW...
We saved 17,300 pieces of paper!
Here's the rundown....
Paper Savings:
Old Packet 18440 pieces of paper
New Packet 750 pieces of paper
Savings: 17,690 pieces of paper
Note: We increased envelopes by 90 because we went to 1 per student instead of 1 per family
Old Parent Packet Materials:
670 double pocket folders (1 per family)
700 catalogue envelopes (9x12)
18,200 pieces of paper (12 pieces per family for PTA materials, 14 per family for District materials)
240 pieces of paper for extra sets and families with siblings
New Parent Packet Materials:
750 envelopes (5x9)
750 5x9 half sheet instructions card
750 pieces of paper (1 per student)
750 standard sized envelopes
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Vision & Hearing Screening Volunteers Needed!
West Mercer's annual vision and hearing screening takes place
on MONDAY, October 27th.
We need over 30 volunteers to successfully screen our entire student body (~ 670 students)! We are in need of more volunteers to work either the morning shift (9:00 ~12:20) or the afternoon shift (12:15-3:15). Training is provided at the start of the shift.
We also need about 3 people to help with re-screens in the morning on Thursday, Oct. 30th.
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West Mercer Elementary
Counseling Program
Dear Parents and Guardians:
During a child's elementary school years, important development is taking place intellectually, physically, socially and emotionally. At West Mercer, we recognize that a child might get discouraged in any one of these areas. To help navigate these issues, a full-time school counselor from Mercer Island Youth and Family Services is available to provide services again this year. CLICK HERE FOR THE FULL LETTER OUTLINING WEST MERCER'S COUNSELING PROGRAM
Laura Falsgraf, MA, LMHC
West Mercer Elementary School Counselor
Mercer Island Youth and Family Services
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West Mercer Elementary
Fall Cleanup
Every year as a community service project, West Mercer kids and parents spend an afternoon weeding, pruning and beautifying our school grounds. This is a great teachable moment for our youngsters - if we don't take care of our school, then who will?! Please mark your calendars for Wednesday, October 1st. We will meet at the inner courtyard of the school immediately after the dismissal bell. All participating children must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Please bring gardening tools and gloves. See you there!
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New WM Families (1st-5th grade) Buddy Program
Are you a new family to West Mercer with kids in 1st-5th grade? If so, did you know that West Mercer offers "buddies" to new families to help answer any of your questions and help you get adjusted to a new school quicker? For more information about the New Families program or to get matched up with a buddy, please contact the New Family Liaison, Carla Monahan at cjmonahan@hotmail.com.
In addition, you are invited to a Welcome Social (for parents only) on October 2nd from 7-8:30pm. Contact Carla for more information.
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Art Enrichment
Volunteers Needed for Art Enrichment!
Volunteering is Fun and Easy!
CLICK HERE for more information.
If you would like to volunteer or have additional questions, please contact Alice Finch at alicefinch@hotmail.com. Your support truly benefits our children.
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After School Art Club
The West Mercer PTA sponsors tuition-based after school art classes at West Mercer. These classes meet once a week at West Mercer, immediately after school, and are available to students in first through fifth grade. These clubs allow those students with a special in interest in the visual arts to pursue this interest further.
CLICK HERE to see the classes offered for Fall 2014 and for a link to download the Registration Form.
Please complete and return this form to the address provided on it. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis - and some clubs do fill.
Questions? Contact Ellen Hochberg at 206.595.4662 or ellenhochberg1@comcast.net.
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SCHOOL DISTRICT ANNOUNCEMENTS
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MISD Boundary Committee
Do you want to help decide who will go to the new 4th elementary school? The MISD Boundaries Committee is now being formed and will consist of approximately 18-20 members. There are 9 meetings planned: October 1, October 22, November 5, November 19, December 10, January 14, January 28, February 11, February 25. The first (October 1) meeting will be from 6-8:30pm. The meetings will last 2 1/2 hours and the committee members will decide the rest of the times. Please fill out this application and turn into your school's secretary by Friday, September 19.
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MISD Construction Updates
You may have seen the story, "School district launches online construction update tool," last week. Through these facilities web pages, the district will provide regular updates to the community regarding the three targeted facilities projects to address school overcrowding authorized in the February 2014 special election.
The online construction tool is available here.
Updates will also be posted through the district Facebook and Twitter accounts.
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Join Y Adventure Guides in time for Fall Campouts!
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Adventure Guides is an action oriented program for fathers and children! Father/child pairs form circles with families in their neighborhood or school they attend with one or two fathers serving as the volunteer circle leader. Circles usually meet once a month for games, crafts, stories and other activities. The circles are a part of a larger Expedition which offers additional activities each month such as campouts, pine block derbies and other outings.
Don't have a circle or want to start a new one? contact Linda Toycen at ltoycen@seattleymca.org and she'll lead you through all of the logistics.
Programs are available for 3-5 year olds (Y-Tykes), K-3rd graders (Y-Guides and Y-Princesses) and 4th grade & up (Westerners).
Fall Campouts are approaching quickly. Register once you are part of a circle.
- Y Guides. October 3 - 5 at YMCA Camp Orkila, register here.
- Y Princesses, October 17 - 19 at Miracle Ranch, register here.
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Yoga - Fall 2014 Yoga for Athletes Classes at PEAK!
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Yoga for kid athletes! Join certified kids yoga instructor, Heather Feldman from Yellow Yoga, for a weekly one hour yoga session that is specifically designed for child athletes. Build core strength, increase flexibility and balance, help prevent injuries, increase focus and attention, increase endurance, boost self-confidence, and promote mental, physical and emotional health. For more information please contact Becky Shaddle, bshaddle@positiveplace.org
WEDNESDAYS at 6pm, ages 7-10
SUNDAYS at 5pm, ages 9-11
SUNDAYS at 4pm, Parent and Child (ages 8-13)
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Mercer Island Girls Basketball Tryouts!
We will have tryouts over two days. Tryouts are combined between grade levels.
Saturday, September 20
12:00 - 1:30 pm (4th, 5th, 6th grade) @ the PEAK
1:30 - 3:00 pm (7th & 8th grade) @ the PEAK
Sunday, September 21
12:00 - 1:30 pm (4th, 5th, 6th grade) @ the PEAK
1:30 - 3:00 pm (7th & 8th grade) @ the PEAK
For more information, visit migb.org
For questions, email kaelachap@gmail.com, kaela.yuen@mercerislandschools.org, or call 425-533-5436
Go Islanders!
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Sponge Language Classes
Hola, Ni Hao, and Bonjour! At Sponge, we see language as a passport to the world. Let's help your children become global citizens this fall! We're excited to offer Spanish, Mandarin, and French at West Mercer with an engaging, exciting curriculum taught primarily in the target language. Our goal is to help build comprehension and communication skills through active learning -- which means lots of games, stories and songs! Classes for K-2nd and 3rd-5th are held before school at West Mercer, and busing between schools is available in the morning and afternoon so your children can learn their favorite language no matter which Mercer Island elementary school they attend! for more information and to register.
Email Sponge at info@spongeschool.comor call us at 425.274.5188 with any questions.
Register now and secure your spot in class!
Please join us for a parent orientation meeting on Monday, September 22, 2014 from 7 - 8 pm at the Mercer Island Community Center. We'll be discussing the Sponge elementary program, our curriculum, teaching methods, and much more! The orientation is designed for parents and caregivers. Students will get an introduction on the first day of class. We appreciate a quick RSVP to info@spongeschool.com so we can bring the right number of handouts. We hope to see you there!
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2014 M.I. Select Basketball Tryouts (ETL/Cascade)
All 5th-8th grade boys interested in playing basketball at a higher level are encouraged to tryout!
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Girls Self-Defense Class
Girl Scout Troop 45161 is holding this event to raise money to donate directly to the Kiran Anjali Project to help support it's inaugural project, The Wings School in Hyderabad India. http://kaproject.org/ The Wings School works to transform the lives of girls from nearby villages by providing free, high quality education and job training so that they can be role models in their communities. Their goal is to lift the girls from poverty to prosperity and empower them to take charge of their destiny. Your donation to this event will go a long way in helping these girls. Troop
45161 selected self-defense for this event because it is part of the of the Wings School curriculum.
- Who is it for? All Girl Scouts, friends and family (6 years old and up)
- When is it? Sept 26th , 2014 - Friday, from 5:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M
- Where is it? Karate West, 8451 SE 68th Street, Mercer Island, WA, 98040
- How much is it? $15 per participant includes a GS Patch.
- Registration information here.
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MI Parent Edge - 2014-2015 Calendar of Parent Ed Events
Join Parent Edge for a great year of stimulating speakers and events! From navigating our kids' anxieties to exploring the many ways today's "digital youth" are different from pre-digital youth; from an evening with Rosalind Wiseman, author of "Queen Bees & Wannabees" and "Masterminds & Wingmen" to examining society's failure to recognize and care for the social and emotional well-being of our boys in the compelling film "The Mask You Live In" - it's quite a line up!
Navigating Our Kids' Anxieties
Everyday strategies for neutralizing worries and anxieties
Wednesday, October 15 at 7pm at the MIHS PAC
Free for PTA Members
For parents of kids of all ages, and students in grades 9-12
Join Parent Edge as we welcome Dr. Chris McCurry, author of Parenting Your Anxious Child With Mindfulness and Acceptance, and learn about the natural origins of anxiety and stress, as well as parenting strategies that help kids navigate anxious situations and strategies kids can employ to be successful when strong emotions show up. Learn more about Dr. McCurry by going to http://www.abcdseattle.com/McCurry.asp.
MI Parent Edge is jointly sponsored by the PTAs of Lakeridge, Island Park, West Mercer, Islander Middle, MIHS and St. Monica schools.
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TechSmartKids - 2014 After School Coding & Making Courses
TechSmartKids teaches after school Coding (Computer Science) & Making (Physical Computing) courses for elementary & middle school students. Last year over 650 kids in Bellevue, Mercer Island, Redmond, Seattle and Tacoma enrolled in TechSmartKids full year Coding & Making courses.
Enrollment is now available for TechSmartKids Fall 2014 Coding & Making Courses:
Enroll by phone: 425-786-7824
Overview of TechSmartKids Fall 2014 Program: - Grades: K-9
- Schedule:Fall Session: October 6 - December 18, 2014
- Class meets for 90 minutes once a week.
- Location: Mercer Island Community Center
TechSmartKids Fall 2014 Courses available here.
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Youth Theatre Northwest Fall Classes and Auditions
Fall Classes
The new school year is just around the corner. As you begin to contemplate after-school care, please consider our fantastic Fall Classes. Our curriculum will get your child on their feet and inspire their minds with imaginative play. Students will develop new skills, explore creativity and make new friends. But most important, they're going to have fun!
We offer:
- Easy online registration at our website!
- Door to door bus pick up from all MISD elementary schools.
- Mid-day classes for preschoolers.
- After school creative drama, musical theatre, and scene study classes for grades K-12 .
- All classes are held on Mercer Island, mostly at Emmanuel Episcopal Church.
Auditions
For the 2014-2015 season YTN is producing
Night of the Living Dead, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, Annie, Jr, Avenue Q School Edition, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe,
and
The Princess and the Frog.
- Auditions are for grades 1-12.
- Audition are happening Sept 8-11 at a variety of times.
- For more information and how to sign up for an audition visit our website.
YTN Website: YouthTheatre.org
YTN Phone: 206-232-4145
YTN Offices: Emmanuel Episcopal Church at 4400 86th Ave SE
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Mercer Island Parks & Rec
the online digital guide.
Parks & Rec Fun Fall Events! Mercer Island Parks & Recreation Day Of Play
Nickelodeon's Worldwide Day of Play is an event designed to promote the importance of PLAY. The Nickelodeon Channel will "go black" for several hours on September 20 to encourage families to make time for play. We will host a "Let's Just Play" event at Mercerdale Park as a part of being a "Playful City, USA". Visit Nickelodeon's website for additional activities to encourage fun and play: www.nick.com. Age: All Ages
Day/Date: Saturday September 20
Time: 1pm - 4pm
Fee: FREE
Location: Mercerdale Park
Monster Mash Dash: Family FUN RUN
Dress up and join us for a run or walk through Luther Burbank Park. Runners will run from the south end of the park to Calkins Point and back. Refreshments served afterwards. Don't forget to dress up for the costume contest with prizes awarded! Dogs on a leash are welcome and also encouraged to wear a costume!
Age: All Ages
Day/Date: Saturday October 25
Time: 10am
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Mommy Matters
FALL 2014 Workshop
October 7-December 9
Get support and learn about what matters most as your child moves through the toddler/preschool years! Mommy Matters blends Positive Discipline and Gottman principles with personal coaching.
Eight Tuesdays, 10-11:30am*
hosted at Mercer Island JCC
*Childcare is available if needed
Registration is open!
To get more information or receive updates, email
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Join Mercer Island
Girl Scouts!
Girl Scouts is the premier girl-serving leadership organization in the nation. Mercer Island has over 30 troops with over 500 registered girls and volunteers. Troop levels range from K to 12th grade. Our girls go to public, private, and home-school both on and off the island. Join us to discover the fun, friendship, and power of girls together.
Mercer Island Girl Scouts will be holding our Troop Formation Event on Sunday September 14 from 3:30 to 4:30 at the Mercer Island Community Center. We are currently compiling a list of interested girls and parents for new and existing troops. If your daughter would like to join a troop this year or you'd like more information please contact us here:
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The Wolf newsletter will go out on the first and third Thursday of each month. If you have any announcements that you would like to appear in an upcoming newsletter, please send in your submissions by the end of business day on Monday prior to publication. Submissions can be made to: westmercernewsletter@gmail.com.
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