 Events:** | |
February
Feb 2 - New-to-MIHS information night, MIHS Library, 6pm
Feb 11 - Mercer Island PTA Council Reflections awards ceremony, PAC & Commons, 5:30pm
Feb 13 - Spring sports packets due to MIHS athletic office
Feb 16-20 - Mid-winter break, no school
Feb 25 - New-to-MIHS registration, MIHS Library, 4:30-6:00pm
Feb 25 - PTSA General Membership meeting & presentation for incoming 9th grade parents - "The High School Journey", 6:30-8:30pm, Library Presentation Room
** - Calendar information current as of 1/26/15. 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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Dear MIHS families,
With final exams behind us, it's time to wipe the slate clean and begin second semester! In my house it's also countdown to graduation as I have a senior this year. All the rumors are true...senior year is uber busy, time flies and the months are filled with bittersweet "firsts" and "lasts." Because high school flies by, I feel fortunate to be involved as a parent volunteer at MIHS. If you are looking for ways to stay better connected with your student(s), I hope you'll consider volunteering at school too. PTSA is always looking for new volunteers and we promise to find a task that's just the right size for you.
Our PTSA website is filled with great information and links relevant to high school (mihsptsa.org). Click the "Get Connected" tab and you'll find plenty of volunteer opportunities listed, along with easy, online sign-up. Also, I'll soon be presenting a slate of candidates to serve on this year's PTSA Nominating Committee. These volunteers will be working hard to recruit MIHS PTSA Executive Officers for the 2015-16 school year. If you are interested in serving on the Nominating Committee or as an Executive Officer next year please share your interest with me at president@mihsptsa.org.
As we conclude first semester, I want to thank those who have already volunteered this year. Your generous & persistent support of MIHS students, teachers and staff is sincerely appreciated each day by so many! Teachers and staff frequently thank me for all that we do as a PTSA. I know and they know... the thanks belongs to all of you! Best wishes as your student(s) begin a new semester!
Warmly,
Debbie Hanson
MIHS PTSA President
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 |
An article from Dr. Plano's recent District E-Connections
Global impact: Mercer Island senior ships donated school supplies to students in Sierra Leone
When Mercer Island senior Jason McRuer saw extra school supplies donated by students' parents that were not being used in the classroom, he saw opportunity. Over the past two years, McRuer has collected gently used school supplies and raised money through Kickstarter to ship them to students in need in Sierra Leone to enrich their school experiences.
To read the rest of the article, click here
To see previous letters from Superintendent Gary Plano, click here |
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From Our Principal
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Hello Islanders:
It is hard to believe the school year is more than halfway over. A new semester comes with adjustments in the class schedule, and some students with new semester-long classes. As students settle in to their new or continuing schedules, I'd like to update you on a few items.
Parking: Parking is a privilege and is not guaranteed to all students who apply. Students must be "good standing" to be considered for parking privileges. This means 1) No major discipline issues; 2) Passing all classes; 3) Good attendance. Even if students meet these criteria, it does not necessarily mean they will receive a parking spot.
BRIDGES: Besides building a positive community across grade levels, BRIDGES is a time when we can conduct trainings that are required by law, and also take care of various school operational needs like ASB elections, etc., without disrupting classes. All students are expected to attend BRIDGES unless he/she has an excused absence from a parent. Below are a few examples of topics that will be covered in BRIDGES over the next few months. Curtis Johnston and Dave Willecke are the BRIDGES Coordinators, and Associate Principal Mark Zmuda provides general oversight of the program.
- February 4: Career Journeys Part #1
- February 11: Diversity Lesson
- February 25: Natural Helpers Lesson
- March 4: ASB Elections
- March 11: Advisory - Catch Up
- March 18: Career Journeys Part #2
- March 25: It Gets Better #3
- April 1: Cancer Lesson
- April 15: Class Meetings
- April 22: Earth Day Lesson
- April 29: Career Journeys Part #3
- May 6: Advisory
Day - AP testing week
- May 13: Career Journeys - Part #4
- May 27: HIV-AIDS Lesson
- June 3: Celebration Day
- June 10: Senior Assembly
Transgender Student Policy - New Board Policy: Under RCW (Revised Administrative Code of Washington) 28A.642 and 392-190 WAC (Washington Administrative Code) we are required to implement a school board policy that addresses Transgender students' needs. In short, this means we allow students the opportunity to express his/her gender in behavior, clothing, hairstyles, activities, voice, and mannerisms. Gender identity refers to one's deeply felt internal sense of being a female, or male, or both, or neither regardless of their gender assigned at birth. This new School Board Policy and Procedures can be found on the district website under board Policy & Procedures 3211. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
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
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 & REVIEW SESSIONS!
February 4th, 7:00 p.m. Review Session
March 28th, 9:00 a.m. Mock Hybrid ACT/SAT (registration form at PTSA website - click here. Registration deadline March 24th)
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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| Volunteers Needed for Upcoming Events | |
MIHS Needs PTSA Volunteers!
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
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Legislation and Advocacy
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MISD Legislative Information Night:
Legislative Funding Impacts to MI Schools
Date: Tuesday, February 10, 2015
Time: 6:30 pm
Location: Islander Middle School Library
Host: Islander Middle School PTSA
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.
Come join the PTA Legislative Committee for a presentation by Dean Mack, Mercer Island City CFO, on the impact of these upcoming fiscal changes to our school funding and learn how we as a community can advocate for our school district.
For a summary of these issues, please see Islander Middle School's Advocacy page
http://imsptsa.org/get-connected/legislative/
To read about WSPTA priorities for the 2014-2015 school year and to get the latest MIHS Legislation & Advocacy news, click here
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MIHS News & Announcements
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Check the MIHS website for the latest announcements, calendar information, and links to activities.
Osprey nest being permanently relocated to nearby tree at MIHS
MISD is collaborating with the Department of Fish and Wildlife and an arborist experienced in these projects to carefully relocate the nest of our resident osprey pair. Don't worry, they will be close by! Click here for a link to the full letter.
Congratulations to the following students for receiving Community Service Awards for the second quarter 2014-2015:
Gold Awards:
Kisho Fukuoka-Armitage
Chandler Cahill
Silver Awards:
Peter Battisti
Lydia Venditti
Alice MacCormack
Click here for a link to Community Service Award instructions and time sheets
Class of 2015 - SENIOR News
Please see all the latest details here: PTSA Seniors Information page
Spring Sports Eligibility Packets Due Now!
Track & Field, Boys
and Girls Lacrosse, Girls Water polo, Girls Tennis, Softball, Baseball, Boys Soccer, Girls Golf, & Badminton. The deadline for Registration is Friday, Feb. 13th with Spring sports beginning Monday. March 2nd. Remember, if you have participated in two sports, the fee for the third sport is waived.
Call or email Debbie McKenzie if you have any questions. 206-230-6345.
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.
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MIHS Sports News & Announcements
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Spring Sports Eligibility Packets Due
Track & Field, Boys
and Girls Lacrosse, Girls Water Polo, Girls Tennis, Softball, Baseball, Boys Soccer, Girls Golf, & Badminton. The deadline for Registration is Friday, February 13th with Spring sports beginning Monday, March 2nd. Remember, if you have participated in two sports, the fee for the third sport is waived.
Call or email Debbie McKenzie if you have any questions. 206-230-6345.
debbie.mckenzie@mercerislandschools.org
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
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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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"Finding the Possible in Impossible"
Local Author Lori A. May
"The Write Crowd: Literary Citizenship & The Writing Life"
Two TED talks:
"My Father, Locked in his Body but Soaring Free"
"How Painting can Transform Communities"
Monday, February 9th from 7-8:30 PM at the Mercer Island Library
Listen, discuss, snack!
RSVP to Ben Elliott at
https://www.facebook.com/TEDxMercerIslandLibrary
benjaminelliott@comcast.net
Join Us at Giving from the Heart Breakfast!
A benefit for MI Youth & Family Services
Wednesday, February 11
7:30 - 8:30 AM
At MI Community & Event Center
I hope you will join us at our MI High School table ~ Debbie Hanson and Jayme Witman
Together we can make a difference in the lives of our Mercer Island community.
The Breakfast supports a great, local cause and know you will find it inspirational, informative and engaging!
No fee to attend. There will be a $250 suggested donation to MIYFS.
Register at http://bit.ly/2015GFTH
Questions? Contact Sari Weiss or (206) 275-7756.
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 $35, 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/
The Sorority Life Information Event
Save the date! The Sorority Life, a recruitment information event, will take place Tuesday, March 3, at 7 p.m. in Meeting Room #1 at the Bellevue Regional Library, 1111-110th Avenue NE. This is an opportunity to learn about the benefits of sorority life and how to navigate the recruitment process.
Sponsored by Overlake Alumnae Panhellenic, the event is free and open to high school girls of all grade levels and their parents. Registration is not required. Information about the OAPH scholarship program will be available.
Students - 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.
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Question of the Week
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Q: Where can I find my student's new second semester schedule?
A: January 26th marks the beginning of a new semester. Log into Skyward and click on "SCHEDULE", located on the left side-bar. Your student's schedule may have changed from when you last looked in August, so log in and check it out!
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