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 PTSA#2.9.50 November 3, 2014
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Events:**
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November
Nov 3-4 - Mercer Island Schools Foundation Phon-a-thon
Nov 5 - Winter sports packets due
Nov 5 - Veterans Day Assembly, main gym, 9:35-10:30am
Nov 11 - Veterans Day - No School
Nov 13-15 - MIHS Fall Play, Romeo & Juliet, MIHS Performing Arts Center (PAC), 7pm
Nov 14 - Senior Service Blood Drive, west gym, 8am - 2pm
Nov 15 - Mock SAT Test, MI Presbyterian Church, 8:30am - 1:30pm
Nov 20 - 22 - MIHS Fall Play, Romeo & Juliet, MIHS Performing Arts Center (PAC), 7pm
Nov 22 - PLAN Test, 200/400 hallways, 8:00am - 1:00pm
Nov 24 - All Winter Sports Parent Meeting, PAC, 6-8:30pm
Nov 27-28 - Thanksgiving Vacation - No school
**- Calendar information current as of 11/3/14. Always check District Calendar for updates.
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Have a Question about Student Life at MIHS? Maybe the Answer is in the MIHS Student Handbook:
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MIHS Student Handbook
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PTSA 2013-2014 Executive Committee
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Parent Advisory Committee
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Freshman Class of 2018
Sophomore Class of 2017
Junior Class of 2016
School Board Rep
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MISD Board of Directors
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236-3300
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Submit an Article
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To submit an article for review for our next issue:
mihsnewsletter@hotmail.com
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From Our PTSA President
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To see Debbie's past President's letters, click here
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From Our Superintendent
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 | | Email Dr. Gary Plano |
To see previous letters from Superintendent Gary Plano, click
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From Our Principal
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PTSA October News 2014
It's hard to believe that October is gone. Fall is under way and students are busy getting into a well-established routine as we settle in to the rainy season. Each month I try to be brief in the news we share with you because we realize you are very busy too.
Visitor Check In: For safety reasons, every visitor to MIHS must check in at the main office to sign in and receive a visitor badge. It's crucial that we have an accurate record of visitors on campus at all times. If you are waiting for an appointment with one of our staff members please make sure to wait in the Main Office. Some visitors have been going to the staff lounge, which is only reserved for staff only.
Athletic/Activities Code Changes: This winter sports season, all students who participate in athletics/activities will be required to sign the new code. For more information, the letter to parents outlining the changes in the Athletic/Activities Code is posted on the MIHS website under the Athletics Tab on the left side of the website menu.
The Athletic/Activity Code will now run from the first day of fall practice through the last day of school in June, but will not cover the summer, the self-report system for violations of the code has been eliminated, and there will now be four accountability stages in the event of violations. Please see the chart below that outlines the old code and new code to help clarify the changes.
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New Athletic/Activity Code
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Old Athletic Code
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No Self-Report
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Self-report
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Accountable during school year
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Year-round Accountability
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Four Accountability Stages:
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Three Accountability Stages:
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- 1. Violation one: 15-day athletic exclusion
- 2. Exclusion from activity/sport for the rest of the season
- 2. Violation two: Year-long exclusion from MIHS activities/sports
- 3. Exclusion from all activities for one year
- 3. Violation three: Exclusion from all MIHS activities/sports
- 4. Exclusion from all high school activities/sports
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Skyward: If you haven't been on Skyward lately, please take time to do the following: 1) Verify that your personal contact information is correct; 2) View your student's grades.
Teacher's Websites:
One quick way to find out about what is going on in your student's classes is to view their teachers' websites. These can be found on the MIHS website at the far right of the top menu. The teacher websites can often answer questions you may have about assignments and class schedules.
Go Islanders!
To see previous letters from Principal Vicki Puckett, click here
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PTSA News and Announcements
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PTSA College Night Series
Financing the College Education - December 2, 2014 - MIHS Auditorium
Learn about several helpful methods to finance the college education in addition to financial aid. Also, learn about the financial aid application process and about methodologies used in determining financial need. Information about how to maximize your opportunity for college financial aid as well as tips for financial planning will be presented. Guest speakers will be in attendance.
Highly Selective College Night - January 14, 2015 - MIHS Auditorium
Interested students are strongly encouraged to attend with their parents. Highly selective colleges accept less than 25% of the students who apply. If you believe that one of these colleges/universities is the best place for your student, come to this lecture and learn the FACTS! Rumors abound, especially when dealing with admission to these colleges! Get a realistic view of how to put the student in the best light and consider which college is best for your student.
College for Students with Learning Differences - January 28, 2015 - MIHS Library
This presentation will target families of freshmen, sophomores and juniors who have been diagnosed with a learning difference. College at a four-year college IS possible! Learn what needs to be done at the high school level and what to expect once the student has matriculated to the college.
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 MIHS 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.
National PTA Reflections Art Contest
2014 -2015 Theme
"The world would be a better place if....."
No experience is required to participate in Reflections!
Choose the arts category you're interested in, create an original piece of artwork based on the theme: "The world would be a better place if..." and be recognized as an artist in your community.
Rules can be found for submission of Dance Choreography,
Film Production, Literature, Musical Composition,
Photography and Visual Arts. MIHS first place winners in each category will receive a $50 cash prize.
Click here for a link to the entry form or Mercer Island High School's main office has a copy of the rules and entry forms.
The deadline for submission is December 1st, 2014.
 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 at
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, we thank you for your generosity. You are the ones fulfilling wishes, whether it's through your donations of time, talents or dollars!
More information about Mock SAT/ACT tests for 2014/15.
(This information is also located under "COLLEGE PREP" on the MIHS PTSA website at www.mihsptsa.org. Please note these MOCK Tests are facilitated by the PTSA. Information about actual tests administered by College Board - SAT, ACT, PSAT and PLAN can be found in the MIHS Counseling Center)
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, EXCEPT for the December 3rd review session to be held in the MIHS Library.
November 15th, 9:00 a.m -. Mock SAT
December 3rd, 7 p.m. Review Session (note location change to MIHS Library)
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
April 15th, 7:00 p.m. Review Session
2014-2015 Mock SAT/ACT Information
Questions? Annie Kusaka at akusaka@comcast.net
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| 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
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Legislation and Advocacy
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November Election Information - Mail your ballots, they are due Tuesday!
With our November election just around the corner, we are ramping up for an active legislative year. Below we have included a few items and activities that may help you get up to speed. There are initiatives on the ballot that could heavily impact our state's education system and are worthy of your attention. Also, because the 2015 legislative session which begins in January will likely be heavily focused on education issues, we will be sending the occasional action alert to you email this winter to keep you up to speed. Never fear, they will be BRIEF. Happy reading!
1. Attached is a 2012 version (most recent we could find) of the Washington State Education Finance Primer. Produced by our Washington State Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, it is a great picture into the current reality of school finance. Although most of this will change in the coming years - it is still worth becoming familiar with how our schools have been funded in the past.
Click here for the link to a .pdf file.
2. Initiative 1351 - The Washington Class Size Reduction Measure initiative is on the ballot which arrived in your mailbox last week. Here is a link to information about the initiative: Click here.
3. Our Washington State PTA Legislative Assembly took place last weekend in Vancouver, WA. The Legislative Assembly and Advocacy Training event provided opportunities for PTA leadership training, advocacy training and was the venue for voting delegates to examine issues submitted by members. Voting delegates debated and voted on the issues to establish our 2015-2016 legislative priorities. Results from the event are listed below.
WSPTA's priorities for the 2015 and 2016 legislative sessions:
1. Funding McCleary Funding McCleary
2. Create Positive School Climates Through Social Emotional Learning
3. Increasing Capital Funding
4. Increased Access to Higher Education
5. Breakfast After the Bell
Also supported (listed alphabetically):
Access, Equity & Opportunity for Students with Disabilities and Special Needs
Closing Opportunity Gaps
Equal Access for ELL Students
Family and Community Engagement
Inclusive Special Education
Playground Safety
Investing in Teacher Professional Learning (CTWG Implementation)
Regulating Child Restraint and Isolation in Schools
For interactive links to details about the priorities, click here.
If you have questions or comments, please contact us at any time!
Wendy Weiker
Mary Kay Woolston
2014-15 Co-VPs of Advocacy and Legislation
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MIHS News and Announcements
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Check the MIHS website for announcements, calendar, and links to activities.
Mercer Island High School Fall Play
William Shakespeare's star-crossed lovers are brought to life on the MIHS stage in the Drama department's fall production, Romeo and Juliet. Please come join us as the advanced Drama students fill the stage with young love, camaraderie, sword fights and passion.
Performances run November 13, 14, 15, 20, 21, 22 at 7 p.m. in the Performing Arts Center. Advance tickets can be purchased directly from the cast or during either lunch. Advance tickets $10, At the door $15, Children under 7 and seniors +65 $5.
Click here for additional information on the school website.
Winter Sports Packets DUE
Winter sports packet deadline is quickly approaching--Nov 5th. Please turn in your paperwork forms and money to the Athletic office ASAP. Here is the direct link: https://wa-mercerisland.intouchreceipting.com/ if you would like to pay online. The link can also be found on our District website as well. It is called "Online Fee Payments" on the left hand side under "Popular Links".
Class of 2015 - SENIOR News
Senior Ads in Yearbook!
The deadline for Senior Ads is December 5th.
Senior Ads are optional, and they are personal pictures and reflections by you or other family members regarding your own senior. Ads can include one child, a group of kids, a team, a club, or any sort of collection of students to celebrate their graduation from MIHS.
Reserve your ads early as they are accepted on a first come, first served basis, and space is limited!
Here are the steps:
1. Download and print the Yearbook Senior Ad Form, or pick one up in room 502. We recommend that you get 2 forms: 1 to send in with your check to reserve the ad space, and 1 to send in with your photos and message.
2. Fill out the form and include your check made out to Mercer Island High School. Space is limited, but you can pay for the ad now and we will reserve your space. Turn in your form and check to room 502 or Mrs. Totten's mailbox.
3. Collect the images (scanned images or digital files on a CD are best), message, and any design ideas and submit to room 502/Mrs. Totten's mailbox. You can provide actual photographs, but be sure to include a self-addressed stamped envelope so we can return them to you. The deadline is December 5th!
4. Our talented yearbook staff will design the ad and email you a proof for your approval (be sure you include a legible email address on the ad form). At this time you can make changes, and we will work with you to ensure you love your ad.
5. Enjoy your senior's lavish appreciation for you when they see their awesome ad in the yearbook!
Questions? Please email mihsyearbook2015@gmail.com
Sizing, Prices, and Examples
1/8-page: $75, 2 x 2.75 inches, 1 photo
1/4-page: $130, 4 x 5.5 inches, 1-3 photos
1/2-page: $240, 8 x 5.5 inches, 1-6 photos
Full page: $400, 8 x 11 inches, many photos depending on design
Jostens Orders 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. 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). If you have a student who has earned an award, please have them complete this online CS Form, and turn it in to Sheryl Ehrlichman in the Counseling Center, or email it to costa124@msn.com. Awards will be presented as they are accrued. 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! |
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Parent Edge
| | MI Parent Edge is jointly sponsored by the PTA's of Lakeridge, Island Park, West Mercer, Islander Middle School, MIHS and St. Monica schools.
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In the Community
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Mercer Island Schools Foundation Phone-a-thon is today and tomorrow!
Below is a statement from our Superintendent Plano about the value of our community support for the Mercer Island Schools Foundation, our PTSA and our Booster Clubs:
"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. Please answer the call!
DINE LOCAL - Help Support our Local MI Businesses!
In partnership with the City of Mercer Island, MIHS PTSA is designating Wednesday, November 12th as our official "Dine Local" day. The Dine Local Campaign supports Mercer Island restaurants in their attempt to regain crucial revenue lost as a result of the recent e-Coli related imposed shutdowns. Our MIHS PTSA is encouraging MIHS families and community members to patronize local restaurants on November 12th as a sign of our collective support. November 12th is the same day as our MIHS PTSA Island Books fundraiser, so we hope you will consider dining out before or after to you head to Island Books. Let's all make a difference together and keep it local! More information about the Dine Local Campaign may be found here:
Mercer Island Band Boosters Presents "Band Together"
A Band Fundraiser for Grades 5 - 12
Saturday, November 22, 2014, 6:00 - 10:00 pm
Mercer Island Community Center
Come together. Don't miss this unique evening to support Mercer Island School District band programs. The evening's theme, "Rockin' the Casbah," will feature an eclectic mix of music, wine, beer, hors d'oeuvres and desserts with a Moroccan flair along with one-of-a-kind Live and Silent auction items. Tickets for this adults only event are available in limited quantity for $75 per person. Play together. Come experience the music of Nearly Dan, a Seattle band performing the music of 70's legendary classic rock band, Steely Dan. Some of the heritage band's well-known songs include: Deacon Blues, Rikki Don't Lose That Number and Kid Charlemagne.
"Nearly Dan" is made up of 12 national musicians with talent spanning many genres-from rock, R&B and country to fusion, swing and jazz-and who have trained at institutions from Berklee College of Music in Boston, to University of Washington and Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle. Anyone who knows the music of Steely Dan, also knows that only fabulous musicians can pull it off!
Band together. Show your support for incredible music programming in our community as the Mercer Island School District band program serves over 700 students in grades 5 - 12 each year. Proudly non-competitive and all-inclusive, these band programs celebrate musical talent at all levels with excellent results, including the opportunity to perform and compete nationally and internationally. The Pride of the Island, our Mercer Island High School Band is 300 strong and includes one-in-four high school students!
Monies raised at this 2nd annual event will support Mercer Island Schools band programming for grades 5-12, including clinics, one-on-one support, scholarships, instrument rentals, leadership opportunities, trip support, training, community outreach and unique musical opportunities.
For More Info and Ticket Sales access: www.misbb.org
"This event is going to be fantastic! Great people, great music and a great cause. The boosters have been working hard to put together an event that is fun and helps the MISD Band program continue to thrive. I'll be there. Thanks boosters!" - Parker Bixby, MIHS Band Director Islander Middle School Ski & Sports Swap The Islander Middle School's MI Ski & Sports Swap fundraiser is right around the corner. We are still in need of volunteers on November 6, 7 and 8. It is only 2.5 hours of your time! As a volunteer you will be invited to "pre-shop" on Friday night.
Please follow this link to sign up - MI Ski & Sports Swap Volunteer
For more info go to our website at www.mi-skiswap.com
SkiBus 2015 Information Meeting
Date: Thursday, November 6
Where: IMS Library
Time: 7 pm
Who should attend: Parents or guardians with middle school or high school aged children NEW to the Mercer Island SkiBus Program to Crystal Mountain, and anyone else who wants the most up-to-date information regarding the 2015 Program.
Learn about the 2015 Mercer Island SkiBus Program to Crystal Mountain. Sean Bold, Director of Snow Sports at Crystal, will be here to answer questions.
If you can't make to the meeting, visit www.CrystalSkiBus.com for more information and to register.
Please spread the word to anyone else who might be interested in the 2015 SkiBus Program.
Think snow!
Charles Greer
CrystalSkiBus@gmail.com
Tel. 206.275.3126
Cel. 206.920.8817
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 |
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Question of the Week
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Q: I'd like to join the MIHS PTSA and purchase a family/student directory. Is it too late?
A: It's never too late to join the PTSA. And we are just in the process of printing directories now. Here's a link to the MIHS PTSA registration site: http://mihsptsa.org/ptsa-registration/
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