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  THE WOLF
June 2, 2016
 
In This Issue
Mark Your Calendars
Thank You!
Hoe Down!
Field Day
Graduate Grams
Managing Change
Superintendent's Update
Advocacy
District News
Community Events
Newsletter Submissions
  

Dear West Mercer families,

 

June is here. The final month of the school year. It is hard to believe we are almost through with another wonderful year. There are still a number of fun and important school events between now and the end of the year, not least of which are the class parties (look for emails from your room parents).

 

We are excited to miss our 5th graders as they spend time at IslandWood camp! The 4th and 5th graders will also compete in the All Island Track Meet--best of luck to all competitors, and another WM victory! All kids also have the opportunity to enjoy competing in the WM Field Day events on June 21st during school. We also look forward to seeing everyone and celebrating the end of an awesome year at the Hoe Down next week--don't forget your dancing shoes (or boots).

 

There are also plenty of opportunities to keep kids engaged this summer in camps and classes...see below. 

 

Sincerely, 

West Mercer PTA

 

MARK YOUR CALENDARS
Thurs, June 2: 4th Grade Music Tryouts

Mon, June 6: 5th Grade at Islandwood

Thurs, June 9: Spring String Fling/Band Blast

Thurs, June 16: West Mercer Hoe Down!

Friday, June 17: NOON DISMISSAL

Friday, June 17: All Island Track Meet

Tuesday, June 21: Field Day!
Thursday, June 23: 
LAST DAY OF SCHOOL, 11AM RELEASE - HAVE A GREAT SUMMER!

Looking really far ahead...
Tues, August 30: Meet your new teacher

Wed, August 31: First Day of School.

 

WEST MERCER ANNOUNCEMENTS

Thank You!

Thank you to our courageous Bike to School chair
Daljeet Hanspal! Thanks to our Student Council for all those muffins, thanks to our Green Team for all the help, and of course thanks to all our volunteers! A big shout out to Einstein's Bagels for their donations and a huge congratulations to all those students who biked, walked, or rode the bus.  Keep up the habit!

 
 Howdy! Yes--It is Happening...

Hoe Down, a WM tradition, will take place Thursday, June 16th, 6-8 pm. The cost is $5/person.
 
Two food trucks will have dinner available for purchase starting at 6 pm, and music will start at 6:30 pm!

Music and dancing by GSC Productions!

A great opportunity to celebrate the spirit of West Mercer and say goodbye to the families leaving. Come and dance with your child! We look forward to seein' Y'all!

Field Day is Almost Here
 
Tuesday, June 21st
K-2:  10:30am-11:30am
3-5:  1:30pm-2:30pm
 
We need volunteers! Moms and Dads, Aunts and Uncles, Grandparents, All - come run games and play with your kids and their friends at Field Day 2016! Kids will remember this day for a long time, so if you can come be part of it, we'd love to have your help.  
 
Volunteers please contact Milt Reimers at miltreimers@gmail.com, with your availability.

A Spring Tradition on MI: Graduate Grams

Every spring, the MI PTA Council sends 1,000s of Graduate Grams to MI students graduating from Preschool, K, 5th or 8th grade, High School or College. Students love receiving these personalized certificates. Each "Grad Gram" congratulates the recipient & acknowledges the sender.

Order Graduate Grams for your child, their friends,  neighbors, babysitters! All funds raised go directly into the MI PTA Council Community Scholarship Fund which honors graduating seniors for their achievement, hard work, and attitude.

Please visit here to order by June 5th. Thank you for supporting this wonderful MI tradition!

Managing Change
 
Next year brings the opening of a fourth elementary school. With the excitement of a new school also comes the challenges of change: new friends, different school and different teachers. 

The counselors at MI Youth and Family Services have provided the attached power point presentation to help guide students and parents through the transition.

Superintendent's Update
 
Spanish language program comes to MI elementary schools, changes in the start and end times for next year, and more from our Superintendent, Gary Plano can be found here: mercerislandschools.org.

Also, check out the district's Facebook page:

 

LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY

Advocacy Update!

Thank you to everyone who emailed City Council in support of the improvements to the intersection at Northwood Elementary. Every email was important and City Council clearly heard our parent body's view on this issue. Public comment regarding this project is invited at the June 6 City Council meeting. Please contact the
MI PTA Advocacy Team if you would like to be part of the final push to get this project moving. 
 
The MI PTA Advocacy Website has the latest information on our efforts to advocate for the well-being and education of all children. If you are interested in joining the MI PTA Advocacy Team, please email us.

 
DISTRICT
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Northwood Elementary 
Potluck THIS WEEKEND! 
 
Are YOUR kids going to the new school next year?  Please join us for a picnic dinner and meet your new Northwood community! Featuring ice breaker & field games. Bring a blanket and a dish to share.  

Dessert is on us!
  • A - G: appetizer/side dish  
  • H - P:  entrée 
  • Q - Z:  salad/fruit
Northwood Family Potluck
Sunday, June 5th, 4 - 6 PM
The Lid park's covered picnic shelter

Aubrey Davis Park -"Park on the Lid" -next to East play structure & baseball fields

Also, don't miss: 

Northwood Elementary dedication and open house set for June 18, 9-11:30am. More details on the MISD website


Kindergarten Registration

Families may pick up a registration packet at one of the school's or the district's office or visit the district website. Families uncertain about their home school attendance area can visit the district website or call Mary Newcomer at 206-230-6336. 

Northwood Elementary 
Brick Campaign
 
Be a Part of Island History!

In less than four months, Northwood Elementary will open its doors. To commemorate this milestone, the Northwood PTA is offering the opportunity to leave a permanent, personalized mark on a brick in Northwood's outdoor play area. See more here: northwoodowlspta.  This opportunity will only be open until June 30, 2016.  If you have any questions, please contact jsytman@mac.com.
 
Parent Edge

As this school year winds down, Parent Edge would like to thank everyone who has attended and supported our events. Parent Edge is collaborating with a lot of local groups to bring you information about other important community events and, on occasion, make discounted tickets available to MIPTA members. Go to the "In The Community" section of this newsletter for information about such events. Also check "Local Events and Lectures" on miparentedge.org or on Facebook, Mercer Island Parent Education for more information.
We hope to see you at some of these other outstanding events and look forward to seeing you all back for another inspiring series of speakers on Mercer Island next year.
 
COMMUNITY EVENTS and PROGRAMS
The Mercer Island School District and WM PTA Council have neither reviewed nor approved the program, personnel, activities or organizations announced in this section. The participants agree to protect, indemnify and hold harmless the district and 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 information regarding these programs should not be considered a recommendation of the program by the school district or by the PTA. This is neither a school district nor a PTA sponsored activity.
 
Calling Artists! Open to All!
Kindergarten - 12th Grades

MI Visual Arts League (MIVAL), with Wells Fargo Bank, is sponsoring the 42nd annual Junior Art Show during the MI Summer Celebration, July 9-10. 

Awards and cash prizes will be presented to young artists winning 2D wall art: Painting; Drawing; Photography; Digital art; Collage and Three-dimensional art: Crafts; Jewelry; Sculpture. Register Today Online here!
ONLINE SUBMISSIONS DUE JULY 1ST!

National Trails Day & Letterboxing

Celebrate the trails of Pioneer Park while hunting for hints and clues! Pick up your letterbox clue book, make a stamp and start hunting. Meet us in the NW quadrant along 68th (across from Starbucks).  

Date/Time: June 4, 10am-12pm. Go to playonmercer or 206-275-7861

Welcome Back 
Island Hoops Camp at MIHS

The MI Boys Basketball Booster Club is thrilled to have Coach Cree and staff back for 6 amazing summer camps for grades 1-8. Fundamentals camps and Advanced Skills camps are available. Camper-to-coach ratio usually 8:1 or less. 

Register at www.mibasketball.org. 

Fathers Day Film & Breakfast at SJCC

June 19, 10:30 am: $10|$5 SJCC members, seniors, students, youth

Father's Day at the J - our annual sports film for dads, granddads, kids, sports fans and the families who love them, featuring "The Life and Times of Hank Greenberg." This documentary tells the extraordinary story of a Jewish baseball player who transcended prejudice to become a hero for all Americans. Ticket price includes coffee, bagels, and shmear breakfast.

MI Girls Lacrosse Development and Elite Summer Camps

DEVELOPMENTAL CAMP 9am - 2pm:  For girls entering 1st-8th grade in fall 2017. Players from all skill levels, schools and clubs welcome; campers grouped by age and ability. Jersey included.

ELITE CAMP 11am - 2pm: For girls entering 7th-12th grade in fall 2017. For intermediate to advanced players from MI only. Camp jersey included.

For complete information and to register go to migirlslacrosse.com.

CrossFit Summer Camp

When: Mon-Fri, June 27-July 1, 1-4pm. 
Possible second session August 1-5th
Where: Mercer Island CrossFit
Who: Kids ages 6-10 yrs
What: Camp incorporates CrossFit, social skills, team building and nutrition. Kids will be introduced to healthy movements, team building, social skills, emotion regulation, healthy eating habits. 
Cost: $210,  includes a healthy snack
Register: mercerislandcrossfit

Junior Hoopsters

Summer Camp Registration is OPEN for girls entering K-8th. 6/27 - 6/30, 9am - Noon

To register go to MIGB.org

Junior Football 
Registration is Open
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 & Conditioning Camp (July 11 - August 11)
Football Camp: 
  •  6 - 9pm MIHS Stadium July 25th - 28th
Yellow Yoga Summer Camp
 
Yellow Yoga Summer Camp will be at the MI Boys & Girls Club (7/11-1/15) and Yogabliss (7/5-7/8).

Please see our yellowyogakids or our Facebook page for more details! 

Music Works NW Camp
For more information and to register, you can visit
musicworksnw.org, email registration@musicworksnw.org or call us at (425) 644-0988. Or see their Brochure!

Digivations Camp Demigod Institute

Training Demigods in theatrical combat, sword fighting, capture the flag strategy art and more. Go to our website for more information at campdemigod.org.

May the Forest be With You!
Girl Scout Summer Camp

Sing, cook outdoors, get crafty and have a blast at this teen-led summer camp.

What: South Bellevue Mercer Island Day Camp
Dates: July 18-22, 9:30-3:30 Mon-Thurs, 9:30-2:00 Fri 
Where: Newport Heights Elementary School
Cost: Only $90 for the entire week! Additional $15 if camper is not a registered Girl Scout.

Registration forms & info at sbmidaycamp.

Jump Start Your 
Girl Scout Adventure!

Register now for fall Girl Scouts on Mercer Island and for priority troop placement in the fall. All you need is 5 girls and 2 adults to start your own troop. Troops that form by June 30th will receive a free Girls Guide to Girl Scouting, a start-up kit, swag from GSWW and extra commission on every box of cookies sold next spring. See what your daughter can do while she's waiting for her troop here. Register for the 2016-17 year here. Join our local GS summer day camp here.
Questions?  Contact Lori Kovarik.

Lego Summer Camp

More info here!

WISE Summer Camps

WISE camps offer exciting chemistry and math courses in the morning & afternoon in August for students entering grades 3-9. Cost of the camp includes a t-shirt for tie-dying and lunch on campus for full day campers. Questions? Contact Mrs. Baker or Mr. Nonis at wisecamps@gmail.com. Please see attached for more information.

Lego Summer Camps for the Serious Builder

In a Galaxy far, far away...
Learn to build some of the most important features of the galaxy. Participants will also learn the basics for stop motion animation and how to use their models in creating their own brick film.

Tree House Adventure
Learn how to design and build your own tree house. Participants will also learn the basics for stop motion animation and how to use their models in creating their own brick film.

For information, dates & registration, click here.

Youth Theatre Northwest (YTN) SummerStock & Summer Camps!

YTN is seeking youth actors, grades 2-13, for its anticipated 2016 Summerstock Season. Every summer YTN produces three shows on MI with approximately 50 youth actors. For more information about Youth Theatre programs and our productions, visit YouthTheatre.org.

See YTN's Summer Camps brochure for FUN camps!

MI Parks and Rec
Summer Camp Registration

Registration is now open for MIPR Summer activities, read more here. For the full brochure of Summer class and camp offerings, click here.

Stroum JCC Offers Many Summer Camps 

The SJCC on Mercer Island offers many summer camps for kids of all ages and interests! See their website for more information.

Seward Park Audubon Center Summer Camps 

We offer four uniquely-themed camps meeting each day from 9-3pm (extended care is available), Separate camps are offered to youth aged 6-8 and 9-11. Visit the summer camp web page for more information. 

When West Mercer families register for our summer camps, they will receive a $25 discount. Simply enter the code "WEST" at checkout.

Newport High School
Gymnastics Summer Camp

The Newport High School Gymnastics Team will be offering a summer camp June 27-June 30 (morning session: 9:00 - noon or afternoon session: 1:00 - 4:00). We invite boys and girls of any skill level entering grades K-6 who want to do gymnastics! For full details and to register online here. Questions? Email Head Coach  Melissa Baker. 

Summer Music Day Camp

Each summer we offer Summer Music Day Camp sessions designed for kids who love singing. Options include Full Day Camp for girls 2nd-5th grade and Musical Mornings for boys and girls 4-6 years old.  
We will be hosting two sessions in summer 2016:
Session 1 - July 18th - 22nd
Session 2 - July 25th - 29th
For more information and registration, visit the Seattle Girls Choir website. 
Sponge Language 
Summer Camps

Adios! Zaijian! Au Revior! Join us for a Spanish or Mandarin summer camp, starting June 20 in Bellevue and Seattle. For more information and schedule details, visit our website.

Pre-Registration for Sponge classes in the 2016-2017 academic year is now open! Visit our website or go directly to our registration page to sign up.
 
Contact us by email or give us a call at (425) 274-5188 with any questions. We hope to see you again soon!
Destination Science:
The Fun Science Day Camp
for Curious Kids 5-11

From roller coasters to robots, Destination Science provides a fun, safe and hands-on environment for exploration with Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). Scholarships Available. For more information, visit destinationscience.org. 


NEWSLETTER
SUBMISSIONS
The Wolf newsletter will go out on the 1st and 3rd 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.org.  
West Mercer Elementary PTA | 4141 81st Avenue | Mercer Island, Washington 98040 | 206-236-3430