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Events:**
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December
Dec 2 - PTSA College Night Series - Financing College Education, PAC, 6-8:30pm
Dec 3 - Mock SAT/ACT review, MIHS Library, 6:30-8:00pm
Dec 12 - Winter Assembly, Main Gym, 1:55-2:50pm
Dec 12 - PTSA General membership meeting, Lower Commons, 10:30-noon
Dec 22 - Jan 2 - Winter Vacation, no school
January
Jan 5 - Back to school
Jan 8 - End of course Math test re-take
Jan 9 - End of course Biology test re-take
Jan 14 - Martin Luther King Jr. assembly, Main Gym, 9:35-10:20am
Jan 14 - PTSA College Night Series - Highly Selective Colleges, PAC, 6-8:30pm
** - Calendar information current as of 12/1/14. 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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When there is a new update from Debbie, it will be printed here...
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 |
December 2014 Superintendent's Message
It has been a busy and productive fall for the Mercer Island School District. The recently formed Boundary Committee is reviewing options for new elementary school boundaries for the four elementary schools to determine which neighborhoods attend each school beginning the fall of 2016.
The Boundary Committee will host a public preview with their preliminary recommendation on Dec. 10, from 5:30 - 7:00 p.m., in the Islander Middle School library. I am hoping for a robust turnout at this public preview prior to the formal public hearing early next year. Read more...
To see previous letters from Superintendent Gary Plano, click here
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From Our Principal
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When there is a new update from Principal Puckett, it will be printed here...
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.
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.
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
| | | Legislation and Advocacy News |
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Below are a few items and activities that we've been working on recently or will be in the near future. 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. Once a year, the Washington State PTA, representing 900 schools units and 135,000 members, meet to determine it's legislative advocacy priorities for the year. This year's meeting was held in Vancouver, WA on Oct. 24-25th. In attendance were approximately 200 representatives/delegates from many of the PTA's across the state. Representing the Mercer Island School District PTA's were 5 representatives who volunteered, (Charlene Steinhauer, Mary Kay Woolston, Ralph Jorgenson, Tani Lindquist and Wendy Weiker.)
The Top Five issues that received the most votes and that established the WSPTA priorities are the following:
1) Funding the State Supreme Court McCleary decision
2) Create Positive School Climates through Social Emotional Learning
3) Increased Capital Funding
4) Increased Access to Higher Education
5) Breakfast After the Bell
Our Mercer Island delegation was pleased that 3 of the Top 5 issues were consistent with our delegation's voting priorities. As a side note, our delegation chose to vote our 5 delegate votes as a unanimous block in-line with our District's PTA survey that was conducted last month. These issues are listed below in alphabetical order.
i) Access, Equity and Opportunity for Students with Disabilities and Special Needs,
ii) Create Positive Climates through Social Emotional Learning
iii) Funding McCleary
iv) Increased Access to Higher Education
v) Investing in Teacher Professional Learning
Lastly all of the MI PTA delegates that attended thought this was a very worthwhile event both in terms of representing our District's PTA interests but also for the many learning opportunities afforded via a number of educational seminars. We hope that next year, we can represent our district even better by finding more PTA members who are interested in serving as a delegate (note, we have approximately 20 delegate positions available).
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 & Announcements
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Check the MIHS website for announcements, calendar, and links to activities.
First Semester Finals Schedule - January 21 - 23, 2015
Wednesday - Per 2, 8:00 am - 10:00 am
Per 4, 10:15 am - 12:15 pm
Dismissal - 12:15 pm
Thursday - Per 1, 8:00 am - 10:00 am
Per 5, 10:15 am - 12:15 pm
Lunch 12:15 pm - 12:55 pm
Per 7, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Friday - Per 3, 8:00 am - 10:00 am
Per 6, 10:15 am - 12:15 pm
Dismissal 12:15 pm
Note for new families: Teachers will communicate to students about the expectation for classes where no sit down final takes place (i.e.: term paper).
1st Quarter Community Service Award Recognition
We are pleased to recognize the following Seniors for their community service work on Mercer Island and throughout the Puget Sound. Congratulations Seniors!
| FIRST QUALRTER AWARDS 2014-2015 | | | | | | | | | Student Name | Award Date | Verified Hours | Organizations | | | | | | | | | GOLD AWARDS | | Ben Elliot | 10/14/2014 | 270 | National Honor Society | | | | Jonathan Costa | 10/15/2014 | 343.2 | King County Search & Rescue | | | | Nelson Hayes | 10/31/2014 | 436.5 | Seattle Amigos, VOICE | | | | Joseph Shin | 11/11/2014 | 265.5 | Franciscan Health System | | | | Taylan Yuasa | 11/11/2014 | 293 | Seattle Buddhist Church, Troop 252 | | | | Nick Hanson | 11/12/2014 | 336.5 | Boy Scout Troop 457, Bridges, MI Band Program | | | | Kaya Robertson | 11/14/2014 | 612 | Kelsey Creek Kickers, NCL, Wind Horses camp | | | | Shaarika Kaul | 11/18/2014 | 263 | MI Indians, Shankara Eye Foundation, Stop Violence Against Women | | | | Angela Zhu | 11/27/2014 | 262 | VA Hospital | | | | | | | | | SILVER AWARDS | | Sungmin Na | 11/17/2014 | 185.5 | Bellevue Korean School | | | | | | | | | BRONZE AWARDS | | Michelle You | 11/17/2014 | 158.2 | VOICE, Band etc. | | | | Christina Zhang | 11/17/2014 | 173 | VOICE, Jingle Bell run |
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.
Please see all the details here: PTSA Seniors Information page
2014-15 PTSA Directories
PTSA directories have been delivered in the Bridges Class of your oldest child at the high school. Please talk to your children about sharing them with you once they have received them.
Only families that joined the MIHS PTSA will receive directories. If you think you joined the PTSA but do not receive one, please email us at communications@mihsptsa.org and provide your name and your student's name.
If you forgot to join the PTSA, there is still time but we only have a very limited number of extra directories so sign up online at http://mihsptsa.org/back-2-school/ptsa-registration/
ORCA Cards
If you are a MIHS student that lives off island, you can apply for an ORCA card at the district transportation office located between the district Administration building and the PEAK. You qualify as long as you do not also have a parking pass at MIHS.
If you qualify or have questions, see Julie Naylor in the transportation office.
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MIHS Sports News & Announcements
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KingCo Letter to Fans As we enter our Winter Sports Season, we would like to remind our fans to Be Loud, Be Proud, Be Positive! See the link below for a letter from the KingCo Conference to our fans. KingCo Letter to Fans |
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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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Crystal Mountain Ski Bus
The 2015 Mercer Island Crystal SkiBus Program is now open for registration. Please visit www.CrystalSkiBus.com for more details and to register.
SAT Test Prep Help
Need to prepare for the SAT? Classroom instruction is available right here at Mercer Island High School, with a course beginning December 1st. Register on-line at www.satprep.org.
Thank you, and if you have any further questions please contact us - Joan Partridge
206-384-6024, Jeanie Yocum 425-823-1370 or office@satprep.org
Register Now for December 8th Auditions for the Bellevue Youth Symphony Orchestra.
Open to all symphonic instruments, musicians ages 6-19. Rehearsals are on Monday nights in Bellevue during the school year. For more information, please visit www.byso.org
Link to register: http://www.byso.org/join
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: Since it's the time of year for snow showers, I'm wondering... What's the best way to receive information from the Mercer Island School District (MISD) about weather related school closures and delays?
A: MISD has partnered with the Flash Alert Network and you must register on their website if you wish to receive text messages and e-mails about emergency related MISD school closures and delays. Find out more about Flash Alert and how to register here: http://www.mercerislandschools.org/domain/114
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