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April
April 22 - MI Parent Edge Presents - Roselind Wiseman, author of "Queen Bees..." and "Masterminds...", Herzl-Ner Tamid Synagogue, 7:00pm
April 29 - DUI Drill (Sophs & Seniors), Main Gym & Back Parking Lot, 9:30-11:00am
April 29 - PTSA General Membership Meeting & Presentation - "Surviving Senior Year", Library Presentation Room, 6:30-8:00pm
April 30 - May 2 - MIHS Drama Department presents Sweeney Todd, Performing Arts Center, 7:00pm
May
May 2 - MIHS Crestfest & Opening day plant sale, Crest Learning Center
May 4-15 - AP testing dates
May 7-9 - MIHS Drama Department presents Sweeney Todd, Performing Arts Center, 7:00pm
May 16 - MIHS Prom - Old Hollywood, Seattle's Union Station, 7:00-11:00pm
May 18 - MIHS National Honor Society Induction, Commons, 6:30-8:30pm
May 26 - MI PTA Council - Senior Awards night, Library, 6:30-8:30pm
May 29 - MIHS Staff Assembly, 1:50-2:55pm, Main Gym
June
June 1
** - Calendar information current as of 4/20/15. 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:
[email protected]
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| From Our PTSA President | | |
Dear MIHS Familes,
I'm excited to announce that the MIHS PTSA Nominating Committee recently posted the slate of proposed MIHS PTSA Executive Committee candidates for the upcoming school year (below). The proposed slate will be formally announced and voted on at our upcoming General Membership Meeting on Wednesday, April 29th at 6pm in the MIHS Library Presentation Room. The committee will entertain nominations from the floor as well that evening.
I hope you will consider joining us for this vote and help me thank this year's Nominating Committee, Toby Suhm, Paige Behrbaum, Cindy Baker, Gwen Loosmore & Petra Varney for their important work!
Immediately afterwards, at 6:30pm, PTSA will present "Surviving Senior Year," a Q & A panel discussion primarily aimed at this year's Junior parents.
Thank you again to the Nominating Committee and to all MIHS volunteers who are busy working behind the scenes to make MIHS great for students, teachers and staff every day!
Enjoy the Sunshine!
Debbie Hanson
MIHS PTSA President
PS- Don't miss this week's Question of the Week - scroll to the bottom of the newsletter!
To see Debbie's past President's letters, click here
Mercer Island High School PTSA
Nominating Committee Report 2014/2015
The 2014-2015 MIHS PTSA Nominating Committee places the following names in nomination:
For the office of President: Jayme Witman
For the office of President-elect: Jackie Brown
For the office of Co-VP of Operations: Kathy Bauman & Claudia Allard
For the office of Co-VP of Communications: Monica Moline & Erin Underwood
For the office of VP of Outreach: Betsy O'Connell
For the office of Co-VP of Legislation & Advocacy:
Hilary Benson & Wendy Weiker
For the Office of Co-Treasurer: Lesley Kalmin & Kristen Glant
For the office of Secretary: Amy Melick
Respectfully Submitted:
Toby Suhm
Paige Behrbaum
Cindy Baker
Gwen Loosmore
Perta Varney
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| From Our Superintendent | | |
Dear Mercer Island district staff, parents, and patrons,
The Mercer Island Schools Foundation "Breakfast of Champions" is scheduled for the morning of April 28. I look forward to this event each year and the chance to spend time with community members who care so deeply about Mercer Island public schools. It is a great opportunity to share some of the incredible work happening in every one of our classrooms, and to address the very real funding challenges our schools face.
The 2015 legislative session is more than halfway though, barring a special session, and we still have not seen clear agreement on a path to fully fund our public schools. The lack of a budget and clear agreement on what will be funded next year makes Mercer Island community support through the Mercer Island Schools Foundation even more critical as we build a bridge to the future for every one of our students.
The Mercer Island School District sits in the middle of Washington state's 295 school districts when it comes to public revenue per student. For example, according to the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, Seattle Public Schools receives revenues of $11,085 per student and the Bellevue School District receives revenues of $9,428 per student in public funding. The Mercer Island School District, in comparison, receives only $9,218 per student in public funding.
Thanks to contributions from the Mercer Island Schools Foundation, PTAs, and boosters, Mercer Island students receive an additional $1,233 per student. Seattle Public Schools receives an additional $586 per student from similar contributions, and the Bellevue School District receives an additional $1,165 per student.
Those contributions to the Mercer Island School District are the fulcrum that allows our school district to afford the many teachers and programs that make such a meaningful impact on every one of our students. That is why your support remains critical to the success of every one of our students. Please help us build a bridge to the future.
Thank you and best regards,
Gary Plano, Ed. D.
Superintendent
To see previous letters from Superintendent Gary Plano, click here
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From Our Principal
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To see previous letters from Principal Vicki Puckett, click here
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| Mercer Island Parent Edge | | |
ROSALIND WISEMAN - Queen Bees and Masterminds
Wednesday, April 22nd, 7pm, Herzl-Ner Tamid Synagogue
(For parents of kids of all ages)
Rosalind Wiseman pulls back the curtain on what's really going on between adolescent boys and girls today, and how social group dynamics influence their interactions. She offers step-by-step advice on how to teach young people to treat each other with dignity.
Thought leader, social researcher and author, Wiseman promotes social justice and bullying prevention. Her New York Times best-selling book, "Queen Bees and Wannabes" was the basis for the hit comedy movie "Mean Girls."
Parent Edge is thrilled to offer a limited number of tickets to our Mercer Island PTA members at a significant discount to the publically-offered price. Go to: http://www.eventbrite.com/e/rosalind-wiseman-queen-bees-and-masterminds-mercer-island-tickets-13565218935 and enter the Promotional Code "MIPE15". Ticket price for Mercer Island PTA members is $15 plus a minimal transaction fee.
Please visit www.miparentedge.org for more information and to download and print the Rosalind Wiseman flyer.
MI Parent Edge is jointly sponsored by the PTA's of Lakeridge, Island Park, West Mercer, Islander Middle, MIHS and St. Monica schools.
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PTSA News and Announcements
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MIHS PTSA Presents "Surviving Senior Year" - A Panel Discussion
Join us on Wednesday, April 29th, for the PTSA General Membership Meeting and a fascinating discussion from a panel of experienced parents on surviving the active, hectic and sometimes turbulent senior year. They'll share their experiences, suggestions and tips for helping your senior survive. And of course, they'll be lots of Q&A.
While the target audience is parents of current MIHS juniors, all parents are welcome. Library Presentation Room, 6:30-8:00pm
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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.
Support MIHS Band Boosters and Improve Your Texas Hold-em!!
Join the fun and grab a seat at the MI Band Boosters Poker Party!
Location: Mercer Island Beach Club
Date: Saturday, May 2
Doors open: 6:00pm
Optional 30 minute introductory training class at 6:30pm
Poker starts: 7:00pm
Snacks, initial buy in, and first drink is included. Additional buy ins alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages are available for purchase.
There are still seats available for this event, so spread the word and let your friends know they can still purchase tickets: http://misbb.wordpress.com/donate/band-together-sign-up-items/
Thank you to Tracy and Clay Dubofsky, Erinann and Jamie Childress, Kevin Larkin and Tom Pedreira for hosting!
MIHS Drama Department Presents - Sweeney Todd
The MIHS Drama Department proudly presents Sweeney Todd: School Edition.
Welcome to  the streets of London, where the talented students of MIHS bring you a dark and witty tale of love, murder, and revenge.
An infamous tale, Sweeney Todd, an unjustly exiled barber, returns to 19th century London seeking vengeance against the lecherous judge who framed him and ravaged his young wife. The road to revenge leads Todd to Mrs. Lovett, a resourceful proprietress of a failing pie shop, above which he opens a new barber practice. Mrs. Lovett's luck sharply shifts when Todd's thirst for blood inspires the integration of an ingredient into her meat pies that has the people of London lining up, and the carnage has only just begun!
Running April 30, May 1, 2, 7, 8, 9 at 7:00pm in the MIHS Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $10 pre-sale, $15 at the door. Recommended for audiences 13+. For more information, check out our page at http://www.mercerislandschools.org/Page/11695
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| News for MIHS Seniors and their Families | | Class of 2015 - SENIOR News -
Senior Parents - what to expect these last 2 months!
As we wind down our time at MIHS, these last several weeks are fast and furious (and a bit confusing). We thought a quick synopsis of what-to-expect would be helpful.
Saturday, May 16th Senior Prom 
The theme for this year's MIHS Prom is "Old Hollywood". The dinner and dance will be held at Seattle's Union Station from 7:00-11:00pm. More information on this event will be in the MIHS bulletin and tickets can be purchased at MIHS.
Tuesday, May 26th MI PTA Council Senior Awards Night, MIHS Library, 7:00 p.m.
These awards, selected by each department at MIHS, are given to the student that that department feels best represents the vision/goals/ideals of that field. Sometimes the student selection is our superstars, sometimes it is our students who show the most improvement over their 4 years at MIHS, sometimes it is the student that demonstrates the most passion for the department subject. This event is always meaningful. There is a scholarship attached to each award. The scholarships are funded by our Mercer Island PTA Council.
Wednesday, June 10th Baccalaureate, Herzl Ner Tamid, 7:00 p.m.
Join us as we celebrate our seniors in our annual interfaith service. This year's theme is 'Living our Faith Together'. This service is a lovely tradition gifted to our seniors from our Mercer Island faith community.
Thursday, June 11th Graduation Day
Senior Breakfast, MIHS Gym, 7:00 a.m.
This is the chance for our staff to enjoy a meal with our seniors and celebrate some additional award-winners. This is a lovely way to start a celebratory day.
Senior Graduation rehearsal, Key Arena, 9:00 - approx. 11:00 a.m.
Straight from the breakfast, our seniors will board the buses to head to Key Arena where we will practice the processional and the timing for the evening events. They will be returned to MIHS at the conclusion of this rehearsal.
Graduation Ceremony, Key Arena, 7:00-9:00pm
Seniors will be picked up at MIHS by school buses for transportation to Key Arena. Pick up time will most probably be 5:00 p.m. (to be confirmed). The Graduation ceremony is scheduled for 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. with doors to Key Arena opening at 6:30 p.m. The first 4 tickets to Graduation are free to each family (once fines and textbooks are cleared). Additional tickets can be purchased in the Commons during lunch in the two weeks leading up to Graduation. Tickets will not be sold at the door. Seating is first come, first serve but Key Arena is an terrific venue as most every seat lends itself to excellent viewing.
Senior Party, (Venue is a secret), 10:00 p.m. until 6:00 a.m. Friday
This annual event starts directly after Graduation (after the hugs and photos with all the families) from Key Arena. We spend the night together celebrating the Graduation of our beloved seniors. This event is facilitated by our MIHS PTSA and includes two venues and lots and lots of activities/entertainment/food/games/etc. It is a great way for our kids to spend one last night altogether in a safe, fun environment.
We hope this helps with planning for this spring. Definitely let us know if you have any questions.
Katty Clark ([email protected])
Jen McLellan ([email protected])
MIHS PTSA Senior Activities co-Chairs
Please see all the latest details here: PTSA Seniors Information page
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In the Community
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Get updated on what's going on around Mercer Island
Want to know more about City of Mercer Island events, hot topics and seasonal programming? Curious about Parks and Recreation Summer activities or Youth & Family Services volunteer opportunities? Click here for the City's website and explore the various tabs to learn the most up-to-date information about these topics and more: http://www.mercergov.org/Index.asp
Mercer Island School Board Vacancy Appointment Information
Mercer Island School Board Position 5 will become vacant on May 14, 2015, as a result of a resignation due to a planned change in residency of Board President Janet Frohnmayer. A new board member will be appointed to fill the vacancy left by her until the Nov. 3, 2015 general election. If the appointed member desires to remain on the board, they must run for election for a full four-year term in the fall.
The board candidate application form is available online. The deadline for applying to fill the vacant position is April 24th. For more information and access to the on-line application form, visit the Mercer Island School District website by clicking here.
Mercer Island Youth and Family Services Youth Volunteer Programs (VOICE/SVP):
VOICE (Volunteer Outreach in Communities Everywhere): Current 8th -11th graders
This summer, MIYFS is offering two summer volunteer opportunities for youth. The middle school SVP program is open to current 6th and 7th grade students, and VOICE is open to current 8th - 11th grade students who would like to participate in volunteer projects throughout the summer. These programs give Mercer Island students the opportunity to raise their social awareness by working directly with populations in need around the greater Seattle area while volunteering alongside their peers. SVP and VOICE projects are plentiful and diverse-by participating with the program one might cook a meal at a homeless shelter, tutor a child in need, participate in recreational activities with people with disabilities, build a hiking trail in Snoqualmie, and much more.
Current 10th and 11th graders with two or more years of VOICE/SVP participation are encouraged to apply to be a Project Leader in Training (P-Lit), where they will assist Project Leaders on SVP volunteer projects.
Registration will open at 10:00am on Wednesday, March 25th and close at 5:00pm on Wednesday, April 22nd. All P-Lit applications are also due by 5:00pm on April 22nd. Registration and applications can be found online at www.mercergov.org/voice.
The 2015 VOICE/SVP programs will run from June 22 - August 14.
For more information contact Tambi Cork, Youth Development Program Coordinator at Mercer Island Youth and Family Services, at 206.275.7755 or [email protected].
SAVE THE DATE!
Mercer Island Boys & Girls Club SPRING EVENT 
West Mercer Boys & Girls Club
2825 West Mercer Way, Mercer Island, WA 98040
Saturday, May 16, 2015 @ 6pm
Join us on board the SS Peak for a fun evening complete with one-of-a kind silent and live auction items! Come in your best cruise ship attire and be ready for one spectacular event. After dinner, you and your friends can dance the night away!
- Tickets: $100 per person
- Register today at MI.PositivePlace.org or 206-232-4548
- Registration closes May 8th, 2015
- Anchors Away Registration
Summer Opportunity - Counselors in Training at Summer Camp
DIGIVATIONS is a STEM+ARTS+MOVEMENT creative technology learning lab that offers multidisciplinary programs ranging from novice to advanced education in the fields of science, technology, engineering, math (STEM), the creative arts and humanities. Over the past 5 years, more than 4,000 students and 800 educators in the greater Point Roberts, WA/Vancouver, BC region have experienced our educational programs.
Summer Opportunity: We are seeking ambitious high school students who love working with children ages 9-15 to be counselors-in-training at our Overnight DIGIVATIONS CAMP DEMIGOD INSTITUTE in Point Roberts, WA (2.5 hours north of MI). It is a fully immersive international summer innovation and literary overnight camp based on the Institute's unique STEM+ARTS+MOVEMENT curriculum. It is a blend of world building through innovation, role playing, and speculative fiction. The Overnight Camp's location and environment brings Percy Jackson and the Olympian Series as well as Fandoms to life (featuring a Mash-Up of Percy Jackson, Dr. Who, Steampunk, Harry Potter, Avatar: The Last Airbender, The Hobbit, The Hunger Games, Divergent, and more) through quests in rustic demigod cabins, traversing through the beaches, trails, and clay cliffs.
All Counselors in Training (ages 16-17) and Counselors (ages 18+) receive mentorship from our senior internationally known faculty, attend all classes, and are part of an outstanding college-age counselor team who come from throughout North America. Almost all staff receives positive references for academic or career applications. There are tremendous opportunities to create or add to a portfolio of new works/inventions for college and graduate school applications (engineering, design, innovation, medicine, theatre, fine arts, film, music, etc.). Students can commit to one or both sessions June 25-July 12 and/or August 1-23.
For more information, check us out at www.digivations.com
Check out the YWCA and YMCA summer offerings
Various outdoor activities, Leadership Camps and Diversity in the Outdoors Scholarships
There are too many offerings to list here, but go to the YMCA Leadership page and check out all they have to offer for high school aged boys and girls this summer at http://ymcaleadership.com/
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Legislation and Advocacy
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For a summary of issues impacting our district this legislative season, 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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| 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 [email protected]
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Question of the Week
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Q: Does the weekly calendar in this newsletter list every MIHS event?
A: Great question! NO, our MIHS PTSA Weekly newsletter calendar only lists a sampling of what's going on at MIHS each week. We highlight programs that are organized or sponsored by PTSA and often include other programs which impact large MIHS populations. The best source of up-to-date calendar news is the Mercer Island School District Calendar http://www.mercerislandschools.org/Page/2
Academic and Counseling Center News can be found on the MIHS Counseling Center Webpage, http://www.mercerislandschools.org/Page/7687
Daily athletic events and other student centered news can be found by reading the MIHS Daily Bulletin http://www.mercerislandschools.org/Page/9216
By checking these calendar sources directly, you are accessing the most up-to-date information. Last minute time changes are published in these places.
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