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  THE WOLF
March 5, 2015
 
In This Issue
Mark Your Calendars
PTA Meeting Tomorrow
Thank You!
Spelling Bee Results
Culture Fair
BoxTops Collection
Lost and Found!
P.E. Dept Website
News from IMS nurse
Elementary School #4
Parent Edge
Island Park Spring Party
Help Educ8
Join Cub Scouts
Eat Well to Play Well
MIPR Egg Hunts
Circus is on its way!
Run Like a Girl!
MI CrossFit
Join Troop 457
TechSmartKids
Mommy Matters
Pacific Coast Sports
MIPR Summer camp!
SJCC Summer camp!
Water Polo
Essential Manners Camps
Sponge Language Classes
Newsletter Submissions
  
Happy Spring!

Tomorrow marks the first day of Spring, and we hope you are all able to get out and enjoy the sunshine and blooming flowers this weekend.

Change is in the air at Mercer Island Schools as well.  Island Park Elementary is opening up it's annual Spring event to current and future Island Park families, particularly those who might be switching grade schools under the new boundary lines.  You can also be a part of the leadership team for the new fourth elementary school opening in 2016 - find details below.

Don't forget - tonight is the Culture Fair at 6:30 pm in the West Mercer multi-purpose room.  We hope to see you there!

Mark Your Calendars
 
March 19th - 6:30PM *TONIGHT* Culture Fair at West Mercer
 
March 20th - 9:30AM General PTA Meeting/Principal's Coffee

March 27th - Popcorn Friday

Friday March 30th - 7:00PM MI Parent Edge Event - Katie Davis at MIHS PAC

April 1st - 4:30PM - 7:30PM Science Fair. 

April 6th-10th - No School - SPRING BREAK 

 

WEST MERCER ANNOUNCEMENTS

PTA General Membership Meeting/Principal's Coffee 

Quick! Check your calendar!
 
Please join us for a PTA General Membership Meeting *tomorrow* - Friday, March 20th at 9:30 am in the WM Teacher's Lounge.  We will be voting in next year's wonderful group of leaders on the PTA Board.  Immediately following the meeting, there will be a Principal's Coffee with Principal Batliner-Gilette.  Bring your questions and learn what is new at West Mercer and the MI School District.  We look forward to seeing you there!

Thank You!!!

Many thanks to the parent volunteers who made this year's spelling bees such a great success.  It wouldn't have been possible without the work of Kate Rosenbaum (announcer at the non-competitive), Ellis Reyes (announcer at the competitive), Helen Wilmot, Kimberly Klein, Summer Ellwood, Sabrina Lin, Melissa Benaroya, Pam Shavey and Dawn Reyes.  

And from all of us, a HUGE thank you to Jocelyn Barber for the amazing work she did organizing this event.  The spelling bees present a great opportunity for our kids in so many ways - read below to find out the results!


Spelling Bee Results Are In!

 

On Wednesday, March 4th, West Mercer Elementary School hosted its annual competitive spelling bee.  About thirty students, all the way from Kindergarten through fifth grade competed for the opportunity to continue on to the King/Snohomish Regional Spelling Bee in Seattle.  The winner of the Regional Bee will travel to Washington D.C. to compete in the Scripps National Spelling Bee. 

  

Congratulations to Mia Shi, who came in first place with the championship word "hydroponic"!  Mia is a 4th grade student in Mr Baxter's class. She will continue on to the Regional Bee, which takes place at Town Hall in downtown Seattle on March 29, 2015 at 1pm.  The Regional Bee will be broadcast live on Seattle Channel 21 and streamed on their website, so make sure to watch Mia and cheer her on. 

 

Tatum Ellwood put up a valiant effort, coming in second place and is the alternate winner in case Mia is unable to compete at the Regional Bee.  Tatum is a 4rd grader in Mr Headlee's class. 

 

West Mercer Elementary School is very proud of all the WM students who competed in the 2014 non-competitive and competitive spelling bees.  It is our hope that these bees encourage the students to read and to develop a love of words and spelling.

 

Celebrate West Mercer's Diversity at 
Culture Fair 2015! 
 
Enjoy music, performances, decorated booths, and lots of delicious ethnic food! Culture Fair will be *TONIGHT* Thursday, March 19 from 6:30PM to 8:00PM in our multi-purpose room.

BoxTops Collection

 

Wolves please turn in your BoxTops and Labels for Education on Wednesday, April 15th & April 29th.  We'll be collecting them under the covered area during lunch recess - help your school PTA, and receive a prize for every 50 BoxTops/Labels turned in!  
Questions - please contact 

LOST AND FOUND!

 

Lost and Found is overflowing!  Please have your child check to see if there is anything they are missing.  We will be donating it to a charity the Friday before Spring Break...   

There are a lot of very nice looking coats and sweatshirts so please make sure and have your child check the pile!!

P.E. Department Website

 

Be sure to check out West Mercer's P.E. Department website. This site features information about whats been happening in P.E. Class and includes some fun and informative interactive links. Soon to come is a weekly section on the site with healthy snack selections.

News from the IMS Nurse for 5th grade parents

 

Dear Parents and Guardians of 5th grade students,

All students at age 11 are required to obtain one dose of Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis i.e., Whooping Cough) vaccination to attend 6th Grade in the State of WA. This is a booster dose to combat the continued escalated cases of Whooping Cough in Washington State.

Please make an appointment now, for your child to obtain the required vaccine at age 11.  

Report the date your student obtained the Tdap vaccination to Bonnie Barthelme RN at Islander Middle School anytime between now and September 8, 2015.

Bonnie.barthelme@mercerislandschools.org

 
DISTRICT
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Be Part of the Leadership Committee at the new Elementary School #4 

 

In a partnership between MISD and the MI PTAs, we are looking for individuals to be involved with two different committees.  The first is the naming of the 4th elementary school (approximately 3 meetings before the end of this school year - June 2015.)  The second is to be active in the new school's PTA leadership & planning committee(throughout next year 2015-2016.)  This is the chance to help decide the future of our new school.   
 
If you are interested in participating in one or both of these committee, please fill out the online application by April 3rd.  Committee member selection will be made by PTA Presidents and Superintendent Gary Plano.   For application and more information, please visit www.miptacouncil.org.

 

KATIE DAVIS
 Growing Up in the App Generation  

 

Katie Davis, co-author of The App Generation: How Today's Youth Navigate Identity, Intimacy, and Imagination in a Digital World conducted extensive research on how the digital youth of the "app generation" learn, communicate and express themselves. As parents and teachers, we might fear that apps blur a sense of identity, encourage superficial relations with others, and stunt creative imagination; however, they can also promote a strong sense of identity, allow deep relationships, and stimulate creativity.

 

Join us to learn what it means to be "app-dependent" versus "app-enabled" and how life for this generation differs from life before the digital era.This event is geared towards parents of kids of all ages; students in grades 7-12 are also welcome and encouraged to attend.

 

MI Parent Edge is jointly sponsored by the PTA's of Lakeridge, Island Park, West Mercer, Islander Middle, MIHS and St. Monica schools.

 

Please visit www.miparentedge.org to view the entire parent education calendar of events.

 

 


Island Park Annual 
Spring Party  

 

Island Park would like to open our Annual Spring Party Fundraiser to any families who may be attending Island Park in the future.  This is a community event and all Mercer Island Residents are welcome! 

For more information, click here.
 

Help Educ8 for
 
IMS School Supplies

Helping Education-Here and Globally

 

Attention all 5th Grade Parents!  Unlike the elementary schools, Islander Middle  School does not offer a school supply package service that provides your student with all of the year's supplies.  However, HelpEduc8, local, charitable business, offers the same service. HelpEduc8 sells pre-made packages of school supplies to families of Mercer Island middle school students.  Each package is custom-made in consultation with IMS teachers to contain all the supplies a 6th grader will need at Islander Middle School for the entire year, at a lower price than one would pay buying all supplies separately at local stores.  HelpEduc8 saves you time and money, and ensures that your student will have all of the necessary supplies to have a successful school year.  All net profits are donated to Save the Children, a charity dedicated to providing education and hope to millions of children worldwide affected by conflict.  Please contact us at helpeduc8.llc@gmail.com to be added to our email list and notified when packages are available to order for the 2014-2015 school year, or if you have any questions you may have about our services.  We will also be attending the IMS Gator for Night event on March 18th; feel free to stop by our table to find out more about what we do!

 

Thanks!

 

Lindsey Reitinger, Evelyn Davis, and Amanda Wall

 

HelpEduc8, LLC

 
 
COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS
Join Cub Scouts for the
Pine Wood Derby 

 

Does your Son love to Hike? Camp? Build? Explore?
Then Cub Scouts want you!
Experience the excitement of Scouting first hand
Come build & race a Pine Wood Derby car

Build an Adventure with your son!
Help them learn & grow in a safe, structured environment
Unplug & get outdoors
Create memories & friends that will last a lifetime

Join Pack 624 in celebrating the Pine Wood Derby

GUESTS WELCOME (Bring a Friend!)...

(1) Pine Wood Derby Build Party
FREE Car Kits to Boys K-­4th
Mercer Island Presbyterian Church
Thursday March 19th @ 7PM

(2) Pine Wood Derby Race Day
Thursday April 16th @ 6:30PM
Mercer Island Presbyterian Church

Please RSVP, so we can order enough kits
Dr. Randy Ogata, reikoyumi@yahoo.com

For More Information, Visit our Web Site

 

Eat Well to Play Well

 

Fueling the body for performance
March 29, 3:00 pm
 
A FREE Let's Move! Mercer Island event presented by
The M.I. Food Revolution and Parks & Recreation Department 
 
Meet Author, Cynthia Lair

When & What you eat can have a positive effect on your performance. Come hear how! Join Cynthia for a lively presentation on how you can fuel your brain and body for optimal performance. Author of the popular cookbook Feeding the Whole Family, and second edition of her book, Feeding the Young Athlete: Sports Nutrition Made Easy for Players, Parents and Coaches. Cynthia has been on faculty for Bastyr University's School of Nutrition & Exercise Science since 1994 and is a founder of their BS in Nutrition & Culinary Arts program.

Special guest: 
Daniel Shapiro, U.W. Basketball Strength & Conditioning Coach.

A FREE family event suitable for ages 10 yrs and up. 
Located at the Stroum Jewish Community Center,  
3801 E Mercer Way


 
 
Parks and Recreation 
Egg Hunts

   

April 4, Mercerdale Park

Sponsored by Windermere Real Estate and JayMarc Homes

 

Lil'Ones Egg Hunt

Bring a basket and your sweet tooth and get ready to hunt for goodies. Find a golden egg for the "eggstra" special surprise. A separate section will be reserved for the 1 to 3 year old hunters.

Ages: 1 - 6

Time: 5pm Sharp!

Fee: $5 Donation/Family

No registration required.

 

Flashlight Egg Hunt

Bring your flashlight and a basket to haul off your loot. Lots of eggs, candy and prizes for everyone. Find the golden egg during our Eggstravaganza for an "eggstra" special surprise.

Ages: 7 - 10

Time: 8:30pm Sharp!

Fee: $5 Donation/Family

No registration required.

 
 
Circus is on it's way! 

 

Pony Rides, Dizzy's Tumble Bus, bouncy houses, face painting, carnival games, food trucks and more, you won't want to miss it.


The event is on Saturday, April 25th from 10am-2pm at the Mercer Island High School.

For more information, click here

 


Female 5K Fun Run

 

Calling all girls, ladies and women!   Dress up for fun, and run or walk through beautiful Luther Burbank Park.  Guys come cheer them on! 

 

Register course #15551 at www.myparksandrecreation.com or call 206.275.7609

Registration deadline May 3.

T-shirts for all participants.  No bibs or chips.

Download waiver

or email to miparks@mercergov.org or drop off at the M.I. Community & Event Center. More details available here.

 

Mercer Island CrossFit 

 

Join us for a 4 week 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 the 4 week 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 to bring home all while moving and engaging in individual and team activities.  

 

Cost: Register early and save!  
$125 until 4/1/15
$145 until 4/19/15
$165 until 4/25/15

  

When: Sunday's from 12-2pm for 4 weeks. **April 26, May 3, May 10, May 17. 

Where: Mercer Island CrossFit, 3801 E. Mercer Way (inside the SJCC) *You do not have to be a member of CrossFit or the SJCC to attend the camp. 
 
Who: Any and all kids in grades 2-5
Contact Allison McGee to register or for more information - 206-595-2011

 


Join Boy Scouts 
Troop 457

 

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 or Scoutmaster Dan Hansen 

 

 
Spring Coding Courses

TechSmart Kids teaches after school Coding (Computer Science) & Making (Physical Computing) courses for elementary & middle school students. This fall over 200 students on Mercer Island enrolled in TechSmartKids Coding Courses.
 
Enrollment is now available for TechSmartKids Spring 2015 Coding Courses:
 
Enroll Online:          http://www.TechSmartKids.com
 
Enroll by phone:      (425) 786-7824
 
For more information, click here.
 
Mommy Matters

 

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.

Mommy Matters Is For Moms Only
Join other moms in creating space in your life for intentional parenting. Walk away feeling confident in your mothering, empowered in your decisions, and fulfilled in your relationships and endeavors.

In the Mommy Matters Workshops, You Will:
 
  • Learn new ways to nurture & strengthen relationships with self, child(ren), and partner
  • Gain insight into how your child learns
  • Learn behavior management strategies
  • Feel confident about YOUR parenting choices
APRIL 21- JUNE 9, 2015
Eight Tuesdays  10-11:30 AM
Hosted at Mercer Island JCC
3801 E Mercer Way Mercer Island, WA

*Childcare Available, Click Here for Details
 
To get more information or receive updates, contact:
Melissa Benaroya, MSW, LICSW at (206) 226-6707  

Pacific Coast Sports

 

Fun soccer and multi-sport camps for kids, 5-11 years old.  For more information, click here.

Registration for MI Parks & Recreation Summer Camps began Feb 7th!

 

MI P&R offers a wide variety of summer camps, including art, cooking, Legos, kayaking, music, sailing, sports, & day camps for ages 3 & up. 

View the camp brochure online at www.playonmercer.com

 

 

SJCC Summer Camp has been a defining time for thousands of campers over the past five decades. Campers learn songs, play gaga, act onstage, create science experiments, and make lifelong friendships.

Whether this will be your first summer or you're a seasoned veteran, we are excited for you to build friendships, create memories, connect with the outdoors, and, most importantly, have fun in the sun! SJCC Summer Camp has weekly options from June 22 through August 28.  Camp runs Mondays to Fridays from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

View the SJCC Summer Camp brochure online here

 

 

Does your child love the water and team sports? Then water polo is perfect. We specialize in introducing kids to the sport and have programs to suit all ages. Boys and girls age five and older are welcome to join us. We have programs in north Seattle, west Seattle and on Mercer Island. A Free Trial is always available - or come visit a Free Open House!

 

Check out our offerings at 

 or get in touch by emailing  thor@raincitypolo.com or by calling 206-999-5686



Essential Manners for Modern Children 
Summer Camp

Dates: July 20 to 24, 2015 or August 24 to 28, 2015

Times: 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Location: Seattle World Trade Center, 2200 Alaskan Way, Seattle

Open to children ages 7 to 12

 

Manners are more important than ever, and when practiced will help your children be successful socially and later professionally. This fun and interactive week-long camp will teach your children essential manners and important social skills to help them be confident and comfortable in any situation.

 

The classes include role plays, discussion, hands-on activities and more. The camp will also include manners related crafts and games.

 

Camp will culminate in a three-course meal where the children will practice the table manners and conversation skills they've learned during the week.

 

Topics covered include:

· Making a Great First and Lasting Impression

· Manners Outside the Home

· Digital Diplomacy

· Parties and Playdates

· Table Manners

 

To register, click here.

 

Summer Language Classes

Hola! Ni Hao! Konnichiwa! Summer is coming up quick and we're excited to offer immersion camps in Spanish, Mandarin and Japanese! This year, we'll be exploring exotic destinations, stories, and celebrations from around the world. Our dynamic teachers will lead campers in crafts, games, cooking, science, drama and outdoor play. Camp is a great opportunity to continue language over the summer, or to try something new! Week-long camps are offered in Bellevue and Seattle from June 22 through July 24. For more information and to register for camp, visit us online at www.spongeschool.com/sign-up/summer-camp/.

Interested in joining classes mid-session on Mercer Island? Classes for Spanish, French and Mandarin are held before and after school at all three Mercer Island Elementary schools. Busing is available between schools, so your children can learn their favorite language regardless of the school they attend. Contact us by email at info@spongeschool.com or give us a call at (425) 274-5188 with any questions. We love to see new faces! 


NEWSLETTER
SUBMISSIONS
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:  editor@westmercerpta.com.  
West Mercer Elementary PTA | 4141 81st Avenue | Mercer Island, Washington 98040 | 206-236-3430