PTSA#2.9.50 January 20, 2015

PTSA News and Announcements College Night Series & Naviance Tutorial	MIHS Calendar/Dates & Events
Finals Schedule for 1st Semester 2015-16 MIHS Registration for Current IMS 8th Graders - Class of 2019	MIHS News and Announcements Different Learners Review - tonight, Finals Schedule Posted, Influenza Letter, 2nd Semester Parking Pass information, Drama Department Winter Play
Mock SAT/ACT Test Information MOCK ACT 1/24/15. Register now!	Legislation and Advocacy News Legislative Coffee talk: State Funding Impacts to Mercer Island Schools
Question of the Week	MIHS Sports News & Announcements Winter Sports Packets due
In the Community 2015 Legislative Paige Applications, MIFC Clinics, SEED Meeting 1/12 @ IMS Library	Volunteers Needed Incoming 9th grader registration, Winter Tolo dance

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January

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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 MIHS Families:

Finals week is coming up with exams scheduled to begin on Wednesday, January 21st. More information can be found here: 2014-15 First Semester Finals Schedule

Please check this page and the MIHS Website Homepage for updates regularly, leading up to finals week for the most current information.

Besides finals, January is busy in many other ways. PTSA is sponsoring a College Night lecture focusing on: College for Students with Learning Differences (Jan 28 - MIHS Library Presentation Room). The lecture begins at 6pm.

The first month of the year also brings many opportunities to experience the talent and creativity of our MIHS students up close, as there are several drama and music events scheduled. Last but not least, the Winter Tolo dance will be held on January 24th

I encourage you to check the MIHS Calendar often (MIHS events are Maroon) because dates and times sometimes change. While January can be busy, I hope you and your family find time to enjoy an MIHS event or two as you settle back in after break. I wish you all the best as we head into 2015!

Warm Regards,

Debbie Hanson

MIHS PTSA President

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

From Our Superintendent

Email Dr. Gary Plano

To see previous letters from Superintendent Gary Plano, click here

From Our Principal

Email Vicki Puckett

To see previous letters from Principal Vicki Puckett, click here

PTSA News and Announcements

PTSA College Night Series

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.

More information about Mock SAT/ACT tests for 2015.

(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 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.

UPCOMING TEST!

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

Volunteers Needed for Upcoming Events

MIHS Needs PTSA Volunteers!

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED for Incoming 9th Grade Registration

The MIHS Counseling Center has asked the PTSA for help with the new incoming 9th Grade Registration sessions taking place next week. They need up to 30 volunteer to make the program a success! Sessions take place on January 20th and 21st.

If you can help direct current 8th grade students and their parents on either day, please click on this SignUpGenius link http://www.signupgenius.com/go/70a0d48a4aa22a64-incoming. Thank you!

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED for Tolo dance Help:

Are you free to help sell tickets for an hour, or interested in chaperoning this year's Dance? Please consider signing up to help make TOLO 2015 the best ever. Your student will love seeing you at the dance! To sign up using SignUpGenius, click on this link -

http://www.signupgenius.com/go/70a0d48a4aa22a64-2015

Interested in Volunteering at MIHS? 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

MISD Legislative Coffee: Legislative Funding Impacts to MI Schools

The Mercer Island School District will be impacted by recent legislative changes including the McCleary Ruling, Initiative 1351 and the expiration of the 4% increase to the local school funding levy. The PTA Legislative Committee held a presentation last week by Dean Mack, Mercer Island School District CFO, on the impact of these upcoming fiscal changes to our school funding. Dean and PTA leaders shared how we as a community can advocate for our school district.

For a nice summary of these issues, please see Lakeridge PTA's Advocacy page http://lakeridgepta.org/volunteer/legislationadvocacy/

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 the latest announcements, calendar information, and links to activities.

Different Learners Review Parent Update - Tonight.

The Mercer Island School District will host a Different Learners Review Parent Update on Jan. 20 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the MISD Board Room.

"The purpose of this meeting is to update community members on the progress of priorities outlined in the Different Learners Review Report completed in 2013," said Executive Director of Learning and Technology Services Jennifer Wright.

The MISD Board Room is located in the MISD Administrative Building at 4160 86th Ave SE, Mercer Island, 98040.

Click here for a link to the District Webpage.

2015-16 MIHS Registration for current Islander Middle School 8th Grade Students

This is a reminder. Session sign ups were due January 15th.

Session 1 - January 20, Sessions 2&3 - January 21st.

Click here for important information from Counseling Center

From the MIHS Health Room:

Once again it is flu season... Please take a moment to read the letter below from the King County Public Health Department regarding influenza in our community. Flu shots are available at your student's health care provider's office, local pharmacies (Walgreen's, Rite Aid, and Albertson's), and the King County Health Department in Bellevue. If your student does become sick with a temperature of 100 degrees or higher please keep them at home until they are fever free for 24 hours. While at home, encourage your student to drink plenty of fluids and get lots of rest. If you have questions about the symptoms of influenza, follow up as needed with your student's health care provider.

Have a happy and healthful winter break!

Therese Cannon RN, BSN

Click here to read the letter

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

Please see all the latest details here: PTSA Seniors Information page

MIHS Winter Play

"We came through the depression by the skin of our teeth, - that's true! - one more tight squeeze like that and where will we be?"

Join the Antrobus family and their maid Sabina as they manage to survive the Ice Age, the Great Floods and World War I. The Skin of Our Teeth, by American playwright Thornton Wilder, is a mixture of satire, farce, and drama, reminding it's audience of humans' ability to survive and rebuild, through even the worst circumstances. Come join the students of Drama 2 as they present their winter play.

Performances run January 29, 30, 31 and February 5, 6, 7 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.

There is additional information on the school website at http://www.mercerislandschools.org/domain/1101.

2nd Semester Parking Pass Information

Parking for 2nd semester will be done completely online. It is open first to seniors only starting on January 14th -21st. You must be a senior in good standing and all Fees and Fines must be paid in order to be eligible to purchase. Parking is for students not using an ORCA card. Please read the following information on how to log in and get a parking spot. On January 26th parking will open to the rest of the student body online.

2nd SEMESTER PARKING PROCESS

*Parking purchase will be available ONLINE only from January 14-21, 2015.

*Only open to Seniors, in good standing at this time.

*All Fines/Fees must be paid prior to parking purchase.

Instructions for online parking purchase:

Go to MIHS home page
Under Popular Links, click on "Online Fee Payments"
Enter your Skyward user ID and password
Click on Senior student name
Pay all Fines/Fees on student account, if applicable
Click on "Items at Student's School"
Click on "Parking"
Click on "Parking Fee"
Click on "Buy"
Click on "Checkout" basket
Review items in your cart
Click on "Checkout Step 1: Additional Information"

               Enter all required information:

1)      Driver's License Number

2)      Car License Plate Number

3)      Make of Car (Honda, Toyota, BMW, etc.)

4)      Model of Car (Accord, Camry, 320i, etc.)

5)      Color of Car
Click on "Checkout Step 2: Payment"
- Enter payment information
Click on "Pay Now"
Pick up parking placard at the ASB Office on Friday, January 23rd

MIHS Sports News & Announcements

Spring Sports Packets due

Spring sports packets are due to the Athletic office by Friday, February 13th. Athletes should get their sport specific information from their coaches or can get the necessary forms by clicking here.

KingCo Letter to Fans

Every sports season, we would like to remind our MIHS 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

Mercer Island FC Technical Director's (TD) Winter Sharpness Sessions

These sessions will continue to build on MIFC's dedication and investment in player development. The TD Winter Sharpness Sessions will be led by MIFC's own Technical Director, Darren Sawatzky, and MIHS Head Coach Colin Rigby.

The Winter Sharpness Sessions will be a fast-paced, fun filled training environment providing players with activities and games that are purposefully fun while simultaneously developing their fundamental skill base. Your child will learn the way, and dribbling moves, of Messi, Renaldo, Dempsey, Yedlin and the like!

Parents are included FREE and will learn with their own trainer.

It's not too late for you to play better soccer with your young players! Come out and learn the same fundamentals MIFC teaches U8 boys and girls. We'll teach you how to Dribble, Juggle, Pass and Possess the ball! The only rules are - Have Fun & No BOOTING!

Your last session will include scrimmaging with your players!

Who Can Participate?

The Winter Sharpness Sessions will be broken into 2 age groups running simultaneously with their own trainers - U7-U12 and U13+

When and Where are the Winter Sharpness Sessions?

7 training sessions on Friday Nights, Jan. 9,16,23,30 Feb. 6,13 & 27th. 6-7:30 pm at MIHS Stadium

Cost: The 7 weeks of fun and learning provided by the Winter Sharpness Sessions can be had for $105 -this includes FREE parent sessions!

MI Shorts and Sunglasses: 6th and 8th Grade ETL Fundraiser

The 6th and 8th Grade ETL basketball teams are selling Nike "MI" shorts and "Go Islanders" sunglasses to raise money for their March trip to Palm Springs. Shorts cost $40, and come in the following sizes: Youth XL, Adult S, Adult M, Adult L, and Adult XL. Sunglasses are $5. These items are being sold at MIHS Basketball games.

If you would like to place an order via phone or email, please contact Frances Osman, 206-734-5520 or francesosman1@hotmail.com. These items make great gifts!

College Sorority Information Forum

Many high school girls and their parents have questions about college sororities. The Sorority Life, a recruitment information event, is the place to get answers. A brief news release about the event is embedded at the end of this message.

Please help spread the word about the event by publishing the release in your parent newsletters and posting it on your websites. Thanks in advance. Please contact me if you have questions.

Jean Cerar

Overlake Alumnae Panhellenic

jcerar@earthlink.net

Student's - Apply to be a Legislative Page for the 2015 Legislative Session in Olympia!

MERCER ISLAND...Students between the ages of 14 and 16 are invited to participate in the Senate page program where each year hundreds of students from throughout Washington state get a firsthand look at how the legislative process works. "The page program is an incredible educational opportunity and a great chance to learn from other students from different parts of the state," said Sen. Steve Litzow, who represents Mercer Island, Bellevue, Beaux Arts, Issaquah, Newcastle, Renton and Sammamish. "Being able to participate directly in the legislative process can inspire our state's future leaders."

Students spend one week in Olympia where they attend page school, hear directly from state lawmakers and other officials, and assist with proceedings on the Senate floor during debate and voting. Interested students living in the 41st District are encouraged to apply by submitting an application to Senator Litzow's office for the 2015 session that runs from January through April.

For more information and to get an application please call the Legislative Information Center at 800-562-6000, visit SenatorLitzow.com and select Page Program, email SenatePageProgram@leg.wa.gov or Joe Adamack at Joe.Adamack@leg.wa.gov

or 360-786-7519.

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: With Finals week looming, I'm wondering... where is the best place to learn about special schedules at MIHS?

A: Special schedules are posted in two main places:

1. You can find information about block week schedules, non-block schedules, assembly schedules, finals schedules and more here: http://www.mercerislandschools.org/Page/5700

2. The best place to learn about last minute schedule updates is usually the MIHS Website Homepage: http://www.mercerislandschools.org/Domain/8