PTSA#2.9.50 December 8, 2014

PTSA News and Announcements College Night Series & Naviance Tutorial; SEED meeting 12/15, 7pm, IMS library	MIHS Calendar/Dates & Events
Finals Schedule for 1st Semester	MIHS News and Announcements Finals Schedule Posted; Year-book Senior Ads submission deadline extended to 12/12
Mock SAT/ACT Test Information	Legislation and Advocacy News
Question of the Week	Superintendent's Letter
In the Community Crystal Mountain ski bus; SAT test prep help; Bellevue Youth Symphony Orchestra auditions; Host an Italian Student	Principal's Letter

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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 206-453-3366

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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From Our PTSA President

Email Debbie Hanson

Dear Parents,

Just a quick note from me this week to remind you we have a PTSA General Membership meeting this Friday, December 12, from 10:30-Noon in the MIHS Library Presentation Room. We'll have holiday goodies, a brief business meeting, and then Principal Puckett's first-ever Principal's Coffee. Come join us for some socializing and Q&A with Vicki.

Warmest Holiday Wishes,

Debbie

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

From Our Superintendent

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

From Our Principal

Email Vicki Puckett

Hello Islander Parents:

2014 is nearly over, and winter break is upon us. Many of our seniors are challenged with submitting college applications, keeping up with their coursework, and making important decisions about their futures, all while trying to juggle the joys of being a teenager. In my interactions with our students, I try to remind them that what they are feeling is normal for this time of the school year. It is also an important reminder for us, the adults in their lives, to encourage and support them, as they are still children (whether they think they are or not!).

To see the rest of Vicki's letter, click here

Topics in this week's letter include -

Speakers needed for April Career Journey event
Career Talk Series is underway
Be Loud, Be Proud, Be Positive
World Language make-up test schedule
Yearbook Senior Ads deadline extended to Dec. 12th
Library temporary closure
Please check and update your information on Skyward
Student Art Sale

To see the rest of Vicki's letter, click here

On behalf of the MIHS administration, we wish you rest and peace throughout the holiday season.

Vicki Puckett

Principal

To see previous letters from Principal Vicki Puckett, click here

PTSA News and Announcements

PTSA College Night Series

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.

SEED Meeting: Assistive Technology: Come See How it Works!

Monday December 15, 7-8:30 pm, IMS Library

Our next SEED (Specialized Education and Excellence for Different Learners) meeting will be on Monday December 15 from 7-8 pm in the library at Islander Middle School.

We are very excited to have as our guest Samantha Murphy, the Program and Community Relations Manager at the Washington Assistive Technology Act Program/UW Center for Technology and Disability Studies. Samantha will be giving a talk and demo about Assistive Technology. Assistive technology (AT) makes everyday tasks easier or possible.

Come learn about free and low-cost services available to help individuals make informed decisions about the assistive technology that will best fit them and alternative ways of acquiring devices. A broad range of devices will be discussed in order to get people thinking about options for achieving personal goals with technology. Get hands-on with devices during the AT show-tell. All are welcome!

Questions? Contact Leslie Moore

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

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

Legislation and Advocacy News

To read about WSPTA priorities for the 2014-2015 school year and to get the latest MIHS Legislation & Advocacy news, click here

MIHS News & Announcements

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).

Class of 2015 - SENIOR News

Senior Ads in Yearbook! The deadline for Senior Ads has been extended to December 12th.

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 in October to collect orders. If a senior did not turn in orders then - 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

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.

MIHS Sports News & Announcements

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

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.

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

In the Community

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

Driving Global Competency: Insight for Educators and Students

Make the connection between global competency, cultural diversity and humanitarianism.

Join AFS Intercultural Programs for a discussion with a representative from PATH, an international nonprofit organization that delivers healthcare solutions to undeserved nations. Learn how a STEM career can have an impact around the globe-whether you are based here or abroad. Then talk with local AFS volunteers about intercultural immersion programs including new offerings for educators, students and other individuals of all ages.

RSVP: bit.ly/AFSoee1

A Fire Tablet will be raffled off at the Event!

When:
Tuesday, December 16, 2014
6:00 - 8:30 PM

Where:
Bellevue Library: The Meeting Room
1111 110th Ave. NE
Bellevue, WA

For more information about this event or AFS programs for students, educators, and adults, contact Kellianne Lauer (klauer@afsusa.org |646-381-3318 |www.afsusa.org)

Host an Italian student. Your child will be invited to Italy!

Ergon Student Exchange is looking for families to host a 16-17 year-old Italian student for a semester or school year. Ergon program ensures a true cross cultural opportunity that will provide a transformative experience for both the host family and the student. The Italian families offer to your son or daughter a direct exposure to Italian culture through an all-expenses paid summer vacation in Italy, and Ergon sponsors the flight!

We specialize in a rigorous selection process ensuring that students are academically strong, responsible, and proficient in English. We devote great care to matching students with host families.

Like our many past students, Stefano, Riccardo and Tommaso are greatly enjoying MIHS academics and their host family life. We look forward to hearing from you! Please email Jane Gallup at jragallup@comcast.net and visit our website at www.ergon-se.org.

Question of the Week

Q: Does MIHS have any Quality Improvement Programs in place?

A: Yes, each school in our district creates a new annual School Improvement Plan (aka 'SIP') in the Fall. At MIHS, administrators, teachers, staff and student leaders work collaboratively each year to create a new SIP. You may find the 2014-2015 MIHS SIP at:

http://www.mercerislandschools.org/site/Default.aspx?PageID=7357