PTSA#2.9.50 October 13, 2014

In This Issue

	MIHS Directory Information Update your information online
PTSA College Night Series #2	MIHS Calendar/Dates & Events
PTSA News and Announcements	MIHS News and Announcements
Mock SAT/ACT Test Information	Question of the Week
MI Parent Edge	In The Community - MIFC, NLYM, MISF, CTC

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October

More Calendar Information

Have a Question about Student Life at MIHS? Maybe the Answer is in the MIHS Student Handbook:

MIHS Student Handbook

Sports Calendar

KingCo - Mercer Island

Quick Links

Mercer Island School District

Mercer Island High School

High School PTSA

Mercer Island Schools Foundation

Mercer Island Youth and Family Services

The City of Mercer Island

Mercer Island Boys and Girls Club

Mercer Island Parks & Recreational Department

Join the PTSA!

PTSA Membership Form

Care to Volunteer?

Volunteer Opportunities

PTSA 2013-2014 Executive Committee

President Debbie Hanson

VP/Elect Jayme Witman

Secretary Amy Melick

Co-Treasurer Sally Peterson

Co-Treasurer Lesley Kalmin

Co-VP Com. Monica Moline

Co-VP Com. Erin Underwood

VP Outreach Betsy O'Connell

Co-VP Ops. Kathy Bauman

Co-VP Ops. Claudia Allard

Co-VP Leg Adv Wendy Weiker & Mary Kay Woolston

Parent Advisory Committee

Freshman Class of 2018

Lisa Kittilsby 999-8494

Enas Muzio 425-736-3878

Molly Lambright 425-443-0258

Sophomore Class of 2017

Diane Johnson 232-1696

Ivy Suzuki-Jaecks 236-3485

Annie Koning 232-1346

Junior Class of 2016

Tanya Conger 520-5199

Kathy Gersch 425-269-9089

Kathy Umlauf 230-6449

Senior Class of 2015

Toby Suhm 236-7074

Jane Rosenstein 275-1977

Donita Lacrampe 275-4655

PTSA Pres. Rep.
Debbie Hanson 236-3091

School Board Rep

Janet Frohnmayer 230-0780

MISD Advisory Council Rep
Toby Suhm 236-7074

Debbie Hanson 236-3091

MISD Board of Directors

Pat Braman 232-1551

Dave Myerson 236-1058

Brian Emanuels 232-0556

Adair Dingle 230-8790

Janet Frohnmayer 230-0780

Sup. Dr. Gary Plano

236-3300

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To submit an article for review for our next issue:

mihsnewsletter@hotmail.com

From Our PTSA President

Email Debbie Hanson

Dear MIHS Family,

It's Not Too Late!

You can still join the Mercer Island High School PTSA - and receive the coveted MIHS School Directory when it is released in November! Click here for a link to join.

Also, we are still nearly $16,000 away from reaching our full Pass the Hat target and it's not too late to make a contribution. Donations of any size are sincerely appreciated and will be put to good use during our current school year. To make a donation, go to our PTSA website at http://mihsptsa.org/back-2-school/ptsa-registration/ to make your donation on-line.

Watch for a Special Meeting!

In closing, I encourage you to watch for a Special MIHS PTSA General Meeting focused on learning services at all levels at MIHS and how parents can best help students navigate and find the learning support they need. This topic stems from our recent Welcome Back Coffee discussion, which was rushed at best, and the need for more exploration and conversation as a new, related parent-networking group launches at MIHS. Watch for the date and for more details about of this special meeting, coming soon!

Thank you again for your strong support of MIHS student learning and enrichment programs!

Warm Regards,

Debbie Hanson

MIHS PTSA President

To see Debbie's past President's letters, click here

From Our Superintendent

Email Dr. Gary Plano

Dear Mercer Island schools supporters,

We have nearly completed the first month of the 2014-15 school year, and we are well on our way to another successful year of classroom experiences for our students.

I am happy to announce that four of our young scholars from Mercer Island High School have been named National Merit Semifinalists and 19 more have been named National Merit Commended students. The high school also jumped to the 159th position in the Newsweek rankings of best high schools in America and the class of 2014 received the best composite ACT scores in at least five years.

It takes an entire community to create an educational system this special. Our mission begins when students enter our elementary schools and continues through middle and high school until students are prepared for college and their careers.

The generous donations from the Mercer Island community to the Schools Foundation are essential to funding classroom teachers, an elementary art specialist, instructional coaches for elementary, middle and high school teachers and the enrichment programs that make success at this level possible. My most heartfelt appreciation goes to supporters of the Schools Foundation, the PTAs and the many Boosters who help ensure our schools are the best regionally and nationally.

Through the Phone-a-Thon, Bridge-the-Gap campaign and many PTA and Booster events, the Mercer Island School District received more than $1.6 million to fund teachers and targeted programs, such as the new K-2 reading program, to help our schools meet the diverse needs, intellectual drive and curiosity of our students.

Last year our elementary schools had some classrooms with as many as 30 students. This year, there is only one elementary class with 28 students and that class is one classroom in the highly capable program. We average about 23 students per classroom at the elementary level. That does not happen without the support of our community and the Schools Foundation.

Thank you!

This year the Mercer Island Schools Foundation Phone-a-Thon will take place on Nov. 3 and 4. I know this community will continue to answer the call to make our public schools even stronger and to provide the support and programs our children deserve.

Gary Plano, Ed. D.

Superintendent

From Our Principal

Email Vicki Puckett

Go Islanders!

To see previous letters from Principal Vicki Puckett, click here

PTSA News and Announcements

PTSA Grant Applications

To date, we have collected over $46,700, allowing MIHS PTSA to once again help support student enrichment programs at high levels. Your donations benefit every student and allow for greater hands-on and personalized learning experiences throughout the school year, across all grades and all disciplines. Because of your generosity, PTSA partners yearly with the MI Schools Foundation and the MI School District to fund an impressive number of grant requests (from teachers, administrators, counselors, staff, students, etc...).

Your donations are precious and we take the grant applications process seriously, by carefully reviewing each application in an effort to spread dollars evenly throughout the school, maximizing the reach of your generosity. Donations allow for enrichment experiences which set MIHS apart and contribute to our school's known reputation for academic excellence and achievement. Curious to know more? Access our PTSA Website http://mihsptsa.org/resources/grants/ for a list of grants funded in past. Fulfilling wish lists is incredibly rewarding and our recipients are quick to share their thanks. Again, I thank you for your generosity. You are the ones fulfilling wishes, whether it's through your donations of time, talents or dollars!

PTSA College Night Series

College Preparation and Selection Process - October 14, 2014 - MIHS Auditorium

This seminar will provide basic information and is particularly geared to freshmen, sophomores and juniors and their parents. It will cover the overall college preparation and selection process. Get a road map for what your student needs to be doing now!

Each College Night is divided into two parts. At 6:00 p.m., Mrs. Hillstrom, MIHS College and Career Counselor will present a 30-minute optional Naviance Tutorial. Naviance is MIHS' web-based service for curriculum planning, career exploration and the college choice/application/admission process. Students and parents can use valuable research and organizational tools provided by this program. Mrs. Hillstrom will also use Naviance for her bulk email deliveries. Learn how to register on Naviance and about what the service has to offer at the Naviance Tutorials. The evening's topic then begins at 6:30 p.m.

There is no need to pre-register for these lectures. A $5.00 per family per session donation is appreciated. Net proceeds will be donated to the MI PTSA Scholarship Fund. All donations are purely optional and are not a requirement of admission.

Questions - contact Betsy Robertson, or see information on the PTSA website at

http://mihsptsa.org/college-prep/college-night-series .

More information about Mock SAT/ACT tests for 2014/15.

(In the Future, this information will be located under "COLLEGE PREP" on the MIHS PTSA website at www.mihsptsa.org)

These mock tests are offered by the MIHS PTSA Senior Activities Committee as an option to our student body to try out and practice these assessments in an environment where the scores don't matter for college entry. They are administered by the company, Princeton Review, in a test-taking setting that exactly mimics the reality of an ACT or SAT test. A follow-up review session is offered after each test to go over your student's results.

Each Mock SAT/ACT test is $30 for pre-registration and $40 for the day-of registration. All proceeds go to MIHS PTSA Post Graduation Senior Party.

While our school is under construction, tests and review session all take place at Mercer Island Presbyterian Church, 3605 84th Ave SE, Mercer Island.

November 15th, 9:00 a.m. - Mock SAT

November Review Session - TBA (re-scheduled from Nov. 26th)

January 24th, 9:00 a.m. - Mock ACT

February 4th, 7:00 p.m. - Review Session

March 28th, 9:00 a.m. - Mock Hybrid ACT/SAT test

April 15th, 7:00 p.m. - Review Session

2014-2015 Mock SAT/ACT Information

Questions? Jennifer Mclellan at mclellanmj@aol.com

PTSA Directory Information

Need to Order a 2014-2015 MIHS School Directory?

School Directories are a benefit of becoming a member of the MIHS PTSA. Please click the following link to join the PTSA and complete your MIHS PTSA registration. Note: the information collected on the PTSA Registration system is NOT connected to the Directory software.

Online Volunteer Sign-ups

Attention all parents who want to Volunteer this year at MIHS!

Contrary to our children's viewpoint, the high school years are very much the right time to be involved in their school. Research strongly supports a positive correlation between parental involvement and student success in all aspects of our children's high school experience. Mercer Island has a wealth of talented and energetic parents who care about their children's educational experience.

Please consider how you can volunteer during the 2014-2015 school year and complete the online form at MIHS PTSA website or Click here to fill out your 2014-2015 Volunteer Interest Form.

Questions? Contact Laurie Raisys at volunteer@mihsptsa.org

Legislation and Advocacy

Washington State PTA Legislative Survey Online NOW!

This is a very important year for YOU to have your voice heard! It is a budget year in Olympia, and it is very likely that many decisions will be made which could impact our kids' education if you will SPEAK UP! Put your voice behind budget changes and policy improvements at the State Level

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/LEG2014

The Washington State PTA Legislative Survey helps our delegates from MIHS (yes OUR school) decide how to vote at our Legislative Assembly in October. THIS in turn determines how our State PTA advocates in Olympia beginning in January.

Click the above link and take 10 minutes to share your opinions PLEASE.

Note: It is helpful to read through the survey of Issues, as you will be asked to rate your top 5 priorities out of 15. Also please note, the Issues can seem broad, but this is because there are a huge variety of bills dropped in the legislature, so it is best to create a broad scope for which to advocate.

MIHS News and Announcements

Check the MIHS website for announcements, calendar, and links to activities.

CLASS OF 2015 SENIOR NEWS

As all Seniors know by now, Jostens visited MIHS to distribute order forms for caps and gowns as well as announcement and class ring orders. They returned last week to collect orders. If a senior did not turn in orders last week - they may still order via mail or online.

All orders should be submitted to Jostens before students leave for winter break. Beginning in January orders will be considered "late" and may have different pricing structures.

Who is Jostens? They provide everything our students need for graduation. Those items that are critical and essential, like the cap and gown, but also the extra 'swag' that each family might be interested in purchasing such as announcements, invitations, note cards, etc. The Jostens' website is www.jostens.com if you would like to order online.

Please see all the details here: PTSA Seniors Information page

THE MIHS COMMUNITY SERVICE PROGRAM:

ENCOURAGE YOUR STUDENT TO HELP OUR COMMUNITY, GAIN VALUABLE EXPERIENCE, GET AN AWARD!

For many years, MIHS has given awards to students who do significant amounts of community service (CS). This year we will issue awards each quarter! If you have a student who has earned an award, please have them complete this CS Form in the Counseling Center and turn it in to Sheryl Ehrlichman or email it to costa124@msn.com by October 24 to receive an award for the first quarter.

Seniors who earn awards can report them on their college applications! Other students who earn awards can list them on their resumes and job applications! Seniors will receive a pin at graduation. Please read the Instructions for more information or contact Susan Costa at 206-427-4780 if you have questions. Thanks to our students who help our community!

Attention Juniors - Class of 2016

The PSAT is coming up! Time to consider whether this a test you wish to take to practice your eventual SAT testing. This test is also used as the tool to determine our National Merit Scholars. Mercer Island High School is a testing site (among others) on the national test date of Saturday, October 18th, 2014. Contact the MIHS Counseling Center for more information.

Note: Students younger that 11th grade are welcome to take the PSAT but will not be in the qualifying pool for the National Merit Scholar selection.

2014-2015 Healthy Youth Survey

Mercer Island School District students will be taking the 2014-15 Washington State Health Survey the week of October 13, 2014 click here for more detailed 2014 Healthy Youth Survey Information.

Need to retake your photo?

There will be a photo re-take day on Friday, October 17 beginning at 7:30 am for students want to re-take their photos.

Parent Edge

MI Parent Edge Presents: Navigating Our Kids' Anxieties

Everyday strategies for neutralizing worries and anxieties

Wednesday, October 15 at 7 PM at the MIHS PAC

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.

This talk is geared towards parents of kids of all ages; students in grades 9-12 are also welcome! The event is free for all MI PTA members.

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

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

See you on Wednesday, October 15 at 7 PM at the MIHS PAC

In the Community

MIFC NIGHT AT MIHS Girls Soccer Game Oct. 16th

Join Mercer Island FC for MIFC night at the MIHS Girls Soccer game on Thursday October 16th. The Varsity game starts at 7:30pm or come early for the JV game starting at 5:30. All MIFC players who come in their jersey will receive either a free candy or bag of chips at the snack shack!

MIFC continues to support the efforts of Soccer2 Unite with a used equipment drive at the game. If your family has any used but serviceable, balls, cleats, shinguards, socks, shorts, jerseys, and/or goalie gloves that you no longer need please consider donating them to MIFC's 2nd Annual Used Equipment Collection Drive. All donations will be given to Soccer2 Unite for children in Uganda. Soccer2 Unite is in particular need of used cleats.

National League of Young Men - Mercer Island Chapter

We are excited to introduce the Mercer Island Chapter of the National League of Young Men (NLYM). The NLYM is an organization for mothers and their sons (grades 9th - 12th) whose mission is to promote the development of young men into community leaders through leadership involvement; charitable and community service; cultural experiences and protocol education. Examples of upcoming community events include food packing at Northwest Harvest and grounds keeping at the Seattle Humane Society.

The class of 2017 (10th grade students) has room for a few additional young men and their mothers. If you are a current 10th grade student looking for an opportunity to serve your community while gaining valuable leadership skills, along with protocol knowledge and cultural experiences, please contact Donna Platou (platou1@comcast.net) for NLYM membership information as soon as possible. The deadline to have your application accepted and paid for is October 31st.

Mercer Island Schools Foundation - Great Board Members Wanted!

The Mercer Island Schools Foundation is looking for a few talented, conscientious and dedicated volunteer board members to help lead and strengthen our successful fundraising programs. Ideally, our Board representation includes individuals from all neighborhoods on the island with or without children in Mercer Island Public Schools. Additionally, all Mercer Island Public Schools are represented by Board membership.

Would you like to contribute a few hours of your time every month sharing your thoughtful leadership to help make our Mercer Island Schools the best they can be? Your investment of time will help ensure all 4,200 students grades K-12 attain the full promise of their academic success!

To find out whether this volunteer opportunity is right for you, and to get more information, please call Penny Yantis, Executive Director, at 206-275-2550.

Mercer Island Communities That Care - Great Board Members Wanted!

Would you like to contribute a few hours of your time each month sharing your leadership and insights to help make our community a healthy place for youth to thrive? Our coalition is composed of Mercer Island community groups and individuals who share a common concern about local youth alcohol and drug consumption and what our community can do to prevent risk and harm to our kids. We have staff to support us and substantial federal funding for resources.

We are seeking a few talented and dedicated volunteer members with ties to local businesses, our schools, youth serving organizations, the health community, media or civic groups. We also welcome parents to join us with children in any grade - elementary through high school.

Our prevention efforts are science-based and supported by the latest research in youth alcohol and drug prevention. We provide training opportunities to members and feature monthly meeting presentations related to youth substance-use topics. If you join us you will have an opportunity to both advise coalition staff and to get involved in prevention efforts that suit your interests and talents.

Your investment of time will help ensure that kids on Mercer Island have the chance they deserve to remain or become drug and alcohol free. To find out whether this volunteer opportunity is right for you, and to get more information, please call Lisa Stewart, Project Coordinator, at 206-275-7743 or lisa.stewart@mercergov.org

Question of the Week

Q: If my student has an appointment and I need to pick him/her up at school, how do I find them?

A: If you can plan in advance: your student should have a pre-arranged absence form (AKA a 'Whammo') filled out for the class(s) missed. If the absence is short notice, your student can also just bring a note from home on the day of the appointment (or earlier), take it to the attendance office and get a Whammo. Then, when it's time for your student to leave school, he/she takes the completed Whammo to the class that will be missed. Prearranged Absence Whammos, along with many other MIHS forms, can be found on the high school's website on the "Parents and Students / Forms" page located here: http://www.mercerislandschools.org/domain/1209

Here's the important part: Discuss a plan to meet your student - a pre-determined location AND time. A few minutes before the meeting time, the student, who has already given their teacher the Whammo form, just excuses him/herself from class and proceeds to the pre-arranged meeting spot. You DO NOT need to come into school and sign the student out. Also, the front office does not have the staff available to go and collect the student, so you MUST work out your meeting time and place in advance. (Some parents choose to text the student when they arrive.)