|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
UPCOMING EVENTS DURING THE WEEKS OF 3/30 and 4/6
March 30
-Parent Edge Speaker Katie Davis, MIHS PAC, 7 pm
April 1
-Registration materials due for Middle School
April 6-10
-Spring Break (no school)
|
|
|
|
|
|
 LAKERIDGE PRINCIPAL SELECTION
Dear Lakeridge Community, As we heard from Principal LaBadie last week, he will be leaving Lakeridge at the end of this school year to become a new dad to twins. On behalf of the PTA, we say huge congratulations to you and your family, Andy. We are so thankful for your two years at Lakeridge and look forward to finishing strong with you this spring. Principal Interview Committee I wanted to give you a brief overview of the process for selecting our new Lakeridge Principal. Mercer Island School District Director of Human Resources, Mark Roschy, will lead a large and diverse Interview Committee. This committee will be around 18-20 people and will include Lakeridge teachers and staff, Mercer Island School District teachers and staff, as well as two parent representatives. MISD has asked the PTA to fill the positions for the two parent representatives on the Principal Interview Committee. The committee application can be downloaded here or picked up at office. The application is due main office by March 31. We want to hear from you as soon as possible. Committee training and principal interviews will begin right after Spring Break and we anticipate finding the right candidate to present to the School Board in the month of April. We Want Your Feedback Do you have thoughts on the following important question? What qualities and qualifications are you looking for in our new Lakeridge Principal? Respond by using our Lakeridge Principal Feedback Form. Paper forms will be available in the office and are due to the office by April 13. You may also email your thoughts. We need and want to hear from you - both new parents and those who have been around a while. Please don't hesitate to reach out to me with your comments and questions. Sincerely yours,
Kathy McDonald Lakeridge PTA President
|
|
|
UPCOMING SCHOOL EVENTS
4/22 - Parent Edge Speaker
4/28 - MI Schools Foundation "Breakfast of Champions"
5/1 - Lakeridge Bridge 2015 Pancake Breakfast
5/8 - Parent Night Out Party
|
|
|
2015-16 PTA EXECUTIVE COMMITTE
Lakeridge Elementary PTA is proud to announce our Executive Committee for the 2015-16 school year:
Co-Presidents: Janelle Honeycutt, Sarah LeClercq
Vice President: Kim Thomas
Secretary: Sarah Hall
Co-Treasurers: Bob Grogran, Ellen Marks
Co-VPs, Communications: Liz Carson, Ingrid Killian
Co-VPs, Community Building: Stephanie Berry, Hellen Kelly
Co-VPs, Enrichment: Christy Shiers, Stephanie Wyss
Co-VPs, Fundraising: Suzanne Kolenski, Suzanne McIntosh
Co-VPs, Legislation & Advocacy: Maria Alberto, Alison Stovall
Co-VPs, Programs: Sunhee Rosales, Ayesha Shaikh
Congratulations and THANK YOU!
|
|
RAFFLE ITEMS NEEDED - STAFF APPRECIATION WEEK 
Items collected through May 1, drop off in office
Staff Appreciation Week will be May 4-8. Do you have a gift card sitting in a drawer that never gets used? Do you have that perfect gift for someone at Lakeridge that wasn't perfect for you?
This is the time that students and parents show our appreciation to the whole staff at Lakeridge. We often overlook staff that have a direct connection to our children such as playground duties, custodians, parapros, and specialists such as technology teachers. We have more than 75 staff members and every member gets something in the raffle. This is the way you can help to recognize them!
We will holding our annual raffle for the staff daily during Staff Appreciation Week. Please consider donating an item or gift card. Gift cards can be small in denomination and have typically have run from $5 to $50. Some ideas are gift cards to Starbucks, iTunes, Island Books, movie theaters, Target, Nordstrom, restaurants, QFC and Amazon (please no YoMercer gift cards as they have donated one to each staff member already). You may also donate items such as tickets to a sporting event or theater outing, chocolates or candy, a beautiful frame, bath products, or a lovely gift for the home. Be creative!
We need your items! Please consider donating! Raffle items will be collected until May 1st. Drop off items in the designated box in the school office. For more information email staff appreciation team members: Liz Evans and Alison Monen.
|
|
LAKERIDGE PANCAKE BREAKFAST 
Friday, May 1, 7:30-9 am, Multi-Purpose Room
Mark your calendar for our annual Lakeridge Pancake Breakfast supporting the Bridge 2015 Campaign (formerly Bridge the Gap). There will be a suggested donation at the door, or you can support the campaign early by making your donation today!
|
|
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY: READERS NEEDED FOR STORY TIME 
Tuesdays at 10:30 am
Volunteer just 30 minutes to read a story to students in the library during their morning recess on Tuesdays. You need to pick just one book (make it easy, pick your favorite) to read at both recesses. The kids love this alternate activity during recess and it is the perfect way to give your time in a meaningful way.
Please arrive no later than 10:30 am so you are ready to greet the kids at 10:35 am. If you have questions or need help choosing a book, email Denise Thomas. Easy signup at SignUp Genius.
|
|
MI PARENT EDGE PRESENTS: KATIE DAVIS
"Growing Up in the App Generation"
Monday, March 30, 7 pm at MIHS PAC
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 the entire parent education calendar of events.
|
|
CONGRATULATIONS "DESTINATION IMAGINATION" PARTICIPANTS
Students representing Lakeridge, who competed in the non-profit Destination Imagination program 2015, which presents educational challenges to students in a variety of areas to enable them to develop skills like creativity, teamwork and problem solving. Congratulations to all the teams representing Mercer Island schools going to the state level competition on March 28.
Photo: Left to Right:
1st Row - Vishy Kamalapuram, Tucker Gwertzman, Declan Mcsherry, Ryan Huang, Sai Pipavath, Derek D'Souza, Eliot Geer, Irene Malaguzzi, Kamya Raman.
2nd Row - Emma Gwertzman, Grace Han, Charlotte Thunen.
Front row - Spencer Elwell, Vivian Perzia.
|
|
INCOMING 6TH GRADERS: IMMUNIZATION REQUIREMENT 
Age 11 - Tdap Vaccination required to attend 6th Grade
Per the Washington State Department of Health, 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 Washington. 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.
|
|
INCOMING 6TH GRADERS: IMS SCHOOL SUPPLIES FROM "HELPEDUC8" 
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, a 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 could 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. Contact HelpEduc8 to be added to our email list and notified when packages are available to order for the 2015-2016 school year, or if you have any questions about our services.
|
Spring has officially arrived! With it comes a great deal of progress on several initiatives for our Mercer Island public schools. The High School Start-Time Committee recently met again to discuss later start times for high school students. The discussion has reached the second of three phases. Committee members are beginning to solicit and record input from various school and community stakeholder groups. If you have input, follow this link and reach out to Mercer Island School District Director of Transportation and Emergency Management, Todd Kelsay.
At the end of April, district teachers and administrators will join me in examining and exploring the elementary world language program at the Annie Wright Academy in Tacoma. They have added a targeted world language in their elementary program in a manner similar to what we are exploring. I look forward to seeing what they have implemented and to hearing their insights. We continue to discuss the feasibility of introducing a targeted world language program in our elementary schools in the 2016-17 school year. You can read more about our progress through this link.
The Mercer Island Schools Foundation "Breakfast of Champions" is scheduled for the morning of April 28. I look forward to this event each year and the chance to spend time with community members who care so deeply about Mercer Island public schools. It is a great opportunity to share some of the incredible work happening in every one of our classrooms, and to address the very real funding challenges our schools face.
The 2015 legislative session is more than halfway though, barring a special session, and we still have not seen clear agreement on a path to fully fund our public schools. The lack of a budget and clear agreement on what will be funded next year makes Mercer Island community support through the Mercer Island Schools Foundation even more critical as we build a bridge to the future for every one of our students.
The Mercer Island School District sits in the middle of Washington state's 295 school districts when it comes to public revenue per student. For example, according to the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, Seattle Public Schools receives revenues of $11,085 per student and the Bellevue School District receives revenues of $9,428 per student in public funding. The Mercer Island School District, in comparison, receives only $9,218 per student in public funding.
Thanks to contributions from the Mercer Island Schools Foundation, PTAs, and boosters, Mercer Island students receive an additional $1,233 per student. Seattle Public Schools receives an additional $586 per student from similar contributions, and the Bellevue School District receives an additional $1,165 per student.
Those contributions to the Mercer Island School District are the fulcrum that allows our school district to afford the many teachers and programs that make such a meaningful impact on every one of our students. That is why your support remains critical to the success of every one of our students. Please help us build a bridge to the future.
Thank you and best regards,
Gary Plano, Ed. D.
Superintendent
|
| MERCER ISLAND SCHOOL DISTRICT | | |
BE PART OF THE LEADERSHIP COMMITTEE FOR NEW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL #4 
Application Deadline: Friday, April 3
In a partnership between MISD and the Mercer Island 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 Friday, April 3. Committee member selection will be made by PTA Presidents and Superintendent Gary Plano. For more information, please visit the MI PTA Council website.
|
MIHS BANDS HEAD TO AUSTRAILIA 
On March 31, the MIHS Wind Ensemble, Wind Symphony, and Jazz Band are heading to Australia for a 10 day tour. Our very own world-class band program as been selected and invited to be the featured international guest at the Australian National Band Competition 2015. Last year the featured international band was from Hong Kong. Our bands will also perform at the Sydney Royal Easter Show, at the Sydney Opera House, and at the 'Julliard of the southern hemisphere', the Sydney Conservatorium. And as a charming 'full-circle' story, the MIHS bands will also have a joint appearance and be hosted by the Marching Koalas. This is a marching band group created after the visit of another world class United States high school band a couple of decades ago from Arcadia High School (California). Participating in that band trip was one of our MIHS Band Directors - Parker Bixby, who has maintained contact with the Marching Koalas in the intervening years.
The band's performances will be steamed live here or on their Facebook page or read what our own MIHS students are blogging.
|
| EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES | | |
REGISTRATION FOR MI PARKS & RECREATION 
SUMMER CAMPS
Now open!
A wide variety of summer camps, including art, cooking, Legos, kayaking, music, sailing, sports, & day camps for ages 3 & up. Register for other camps here. View the camp brochure online.
|
SPONGE SCHOOL LANGUAGE CLASSES AT LAKERIDGE 
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.
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 or give us a call at (425) 274-5188 with any questions. We love to see new faces!
|
|
SMART WITH ART: SPRING CLASSES 
Visual Arts: Artful Nature
Tuesdays, 4/21 - 6/9, 3:30pm - 4:45 pm
Multi-purpose room
Tuition: $156, Grades: K-5
Journey with us as we incorporate the great outdoors into visual art creations! We will discover the form of a bird. Looking at the Amate Mexican art form of bark painting, we will create a floral and animal multi-media artwork. Next, we will develop a batik style wax art, and infuse nature into drawings inspired by Georgia O'Keeffe. Learn how to draw and paint a detailed bird in an Audubon-inspired, watercolor painting. We will also create a beautiful sculpture inspired by Klimt, explore oil pastels and charcoal, and more this session! Join us this spring as the earth inspires our nature filled creations! And, as always, Dress for Mess!
Thursdays, 4/23 - 6/4, 3:30pm - 4:45 pm
Multi-purpose room
Tuition: $196, Grades: K-5
Learn how to design fused glass pieces, the different types of fusing, and the shapes that can be created. Using the perspective that Georgia O'Keeffe found while looking at nature, we will incorporate her inspiration into a flower plaque. Next, students will learn to pain on glass, and incorporate the pieces in a collage created on canvas. Mosaic is another form of glass art, and we will be create our own nature-inspired pieces, and, much more! Join us on this artful journey just in time for spring! And, as always, Dress for Mess! |
WAKE UP WITH YOGA AT LAKERIDGE  Thursdays, April 16 - May 14, 8:15 - 9 am OT Room (adjacent to library), $25 for 5 sessions Grades: 1-5
Interested in stretching out and getting your body and brain ready for school? In this kid-focused yoga class we will move like animals, wake up with the sun, roar like a lion, play with balance in a tree pose, and take some time to just breathe.
If it is your child's first time to our class, please come with your child on the first day (April 16) to sign a waiver and with check payable to "Rachel Lowe" (25% is donated to Lakeridge PTA). Last session of the school year! Space is limited (if there is space in the room and a child doesn't show the first day, you may be on the waitlist for their spot). Contact Rachel Lowe to be on the waitlist. Please sign up via the Wake Up With Yoga SignUpGenius.
|
ART'S COOL 
Wednesdays, April 15 - June 10, 2-3:30 pm
Lakeridge Gym
Forms in Clay - Spring Images
Cost: $135
Grades: 3-5
Spring Clay Sculptures Cost: $135
|
TECHSMARTKIDS - COMPUTER COURSES 
After-school and Summer Enrollment Now Open!
TechSmartKids, a leading provider of computer science education for elementary and middle school students, is offering after-school and summer computer coding classes on Mercer Island at West Mercer Elementary, Islander Middle School and the Mercer Island Community Center.
To register for after-school computer coding courses, visit the TechSmartKids website.
Spring After School Coding Classes
C001 - Visual Coding I (grades K-1)
West Mercer Elementary
Thursdays 3:30-4:30 pm OR 4:30-5:30 pm
C101- Intro to Coding I (grades 2-5)
Islander Middle School (TechSmartKids staff meets students after school and walks them to Islander Middle School. Supervision will be provided prior to the start of class)
Mondays, 4:30-6 pm
Summer Coding & Making Half-Day and Full-Day Camps
Ages 7-15, Mercer Island Community Center
Introduction to Coding
Beginner Mobile Game Development
Mobile Camp Development
Making Camp
|
MINE, CRAFT, BUILD ADVENTURE USING LEGOS 
Tuesdays: April 14 - June 9, 3:45-5:15 pm (supervised snack 3:30-3:45)
Bring Minecraft to life using LEGO! Resourcefulness, creativity, and cooperation come together in this unique building adventure game; roll the dice to mine for resources, and use these resources to build special items to help in our adventures! Build a Zoo, create a Medieval Castle, and design a Tree House Village! This LEGO experience is an original game designed by Play-Well instructors inspired by the popular game, Minecraft. Students will have a blast, even without any prior experience with Minecraft or LEGO. Price: $144. Register via the Play-Well website.
|
KARATE WEST 
Tuesdays: April 14 - June 16, 8:15 - 9 am
Grades K-5
Lakeridge Gym
Your child will develop focus, discipline, and self-confidence while getting energized through Karate West's exciting martial arts classes to positively affect your child's future.
|
KIDS CO. AT LAKERIDGE 
Kids Co.'s before and after-school programming is designed to meet the particular needs kids have during the non-school hours. Learn more about Kids Co. here.
|
|
OTHER MERCER ISLAND EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
For other Mercer Island based extra-curricular offerings, please visit the Lakeridge PTA website by clicking here for a listing of other activities. This list is for informational purposes only and these activities are not sponsored, endorsed, or affiliated with the Lakeridge PTA.
|
|
TGA PREMIER JUNIOR GOLF 
Mondays, April 13 - June 8, 3:30-4:40 pm (no class May 25)
Lakeridge Sports Field
TGA Premier Junior Golf brings the golf course to your school! Our national, award winning, 5 level program is specially designed for children and builds upon the educational concepts they are learning in the classroom -- including math and science. Fun comes first in every TGA class, but our curriculum also focuses on improving motor skills and physical fitness, as well as instilling self confidence and life values through professional golf instruction. Students learn the fundamentals, etiquette and rules of the game in the comfortable environment of the Lakeridge campus with a low 10:1 student to professional instructor ratio. Best of all, we provide all the equipment and training materials so children of all skill levels have the chance to come out and tee it up with TGA!
Cost $160*
*Sign up for both TGA Premier Tennis (see below, Wednesdays, after school) and TGA Premier Golf for $299.
Register via the TGA website.
|
|
TGA PREMIER YOUTH TENNIS - SPRING 
Wednesdays, April 14 - June 2, 2:15 - 3:30 pm (supervised snack 2-2:15 pm)
Covered play area behind Lakeridge
Serve it up with TGA Tennis Class! TGA brings the tennis court to you, making it convenient and affordable to learn and play in a fun and safe environment. Kid-friendly instructors help students develop tennis skills and knowledge, while using the sport to teach valuable life lessons like honesty and sportsmanship. Sign up today to experience all the fun and excitement of tennis class with TGA! Cost: $160, $145 for siblings.
For more information, contact Chandler Lewis at (509) 429-9085
or check out the TGA Tennis brochure, or visit the TGA website.
|
|
RAIN CITY WATER POLO 
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. Check out our offerings online or get in touch by email or by calling 206-999-5686.
|
|
BOYS 2015 SPRING LACROSSE REGISTRATION OPEN 
Grades K-8
Visit Mercer Island Lacrosse for schedules and registration information. For specific questions, contact:
K-2nd grade: contact Jola Jensen
3rd/4th grade: contact Missy Johnson
5th/6th grade: contact Sarah Rowe
|
|
MI GIRLS SOFTBALL 
Players needed!
Calling all girls who have an interest in playing softball. No experience needed, just interest and excitement. All ages are welcome and wanted. This is a sport that the girls can enjoy the rest of their lives. Click here for more information.
|
|
PACIFIC COAST SPORTS FOUNDATION 
Soccer and Multi-Sport Summer Camps Available
Visit the Pacific Coast Sports Foundation website for registration dates and details, or see their flyer here.
|
|
NOWLAND PREMIER SOCCER ACADEMY: FREE CLINICS 
NPSA is a Premier Soccer Club with a difference, we give back to the community at every opportunity through free training programs and after-school clinics in partnership with elementary schools across the Eastside. As we prepare for a busy Fall season, we are offering a series of free training clinics across the Eastside for any players, 6-15 years old, to have the opportunity to work with our professional coaching staff and see what our program is all about. Visit the NPSA website for registration information.
|
MERCER ISLAND TOWN CENTER VISIONING PROCESS: PUBLIC INPUT 
You've seen the new buildings going up, and have probably heard about the building moratorium and discussions about how Mercer Island should be developed, or not. In response to these discussions, the City is revising its vision for Town Center development and wants to engage the community in as many ways as possible.
The Town Center Visioning Process guides overall planning for the area and includes revisions to the Town Center Development Code. The code determines what new buildings and public spaces will look like, and has a big impact on what kind of stores, restaurants and businesses we'll have downtown, as well as how much new housing is built. The code and vision will influence what kind of parking and bus service we'll have for the new Link light rail station opening in 2023, and how the new Mercer Island Center for the Arts will be integrated into the town center.
What makes Mercer Island special? What do you love or hate about living here? What would you fight to change or to preserve? Whether you want a vibrant, active Town Center with lots of new businesses, or would prefer a quieter more village-like feel, make your voice heard:
There also is a Stakeholder group representing Island residents with a wide range of views. Their role is to provide constructive input and to make sure that all views are taken into consideration. For more information on the Stakeholder group, contact Jennifer Mechem.
|
CUB SCOUTS - A GEOLOGY PRESENTATION TO ROCK YOUR WORLD! 
Monday, April 20, 6:45-8:30 pm, Lakeridge Library
Cub Scout Pack 668 will be hosting geologist Ron Kahle, who will provide his amazing Rock Talk. He will bring more than 600 pounds of rock specimens to touch and view, and he'll tell great stories that will make geology come alive for the kids. Rumor is there may even be specimens the kids can take home. Come one, come all for this unique presentation. Contact Cub Scout Pack 668 to learn more.
|
BOY SCOUTS - 5TH GRADE BOYS 
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 the Troop 457 website or contact outreach coordinator, Karen LeMaster or Scoutmaster Dan Hansen.
|
MI PRESCHOOL ASSOCIATION: CIRCUS! 
Saturday, April 25, 10 am - 2 pm, MIHS
Circus in 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. For more information, visit the Mercer Island Preschool Association (MIPA) website.
|
CLISE ETIQUETTE CLASSES 
Make sure your children have the manners and social skills they need to succeed socially and, later, professionally. Our classes teach those important skills that help your child to be confident, polished and polite.
Modern Manners for Modern Children Part I: Table Manners and More
May 3, 10 am to 1 pm
Bennett's Café, 7650 SE 27th St. Mercer Island
Ages 7 to 12
Click here for more information
Essential Manners for Modern Children - Summer Camp
Dates: July 20 to 24, 2015 or August 25 to 29, 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
Click here for more information.
|
| Contact Information | |
The Lions' ROAR is a communication from the Lakeridge PTA about school events and PTA programs and is distributed every other Sunday. For inclusion in the next issue, please email activity and event information to ROAR EDITOR at editor@lakeridgepta.org by noon Tuesday prior to the upcoming newsletter dates: April 19 and May 3. Click here for submission guidelines.
|
|
|
|
|
