PTSA#2.9.50 September 28, 2015

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Pass the Hat/Curriculum Night UPDATED TIMING What you need to know!	PTSA News and Announcements Join the MIHS PTSA Update your Directory Information
President's Letter	Homecoming Week Information
MIHS Calendar Dates & Events It's Homecoming Week	Volunteer Help Needed Homecoming Volunteers - Urgent! PTSA Volunteers
MIHS News and Announcements	Introducing, MIHS Counselors are In Touch!
Parent Edge	Senior Class Announcements YEARBOOK PHOTOS ARE DUE FRIDAY, 10/2!!!!

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President Jayme Witman

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Freshman Class of 2019

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Sophomore Class of 2018

Lisa Kittilsby 999-8494

Enas Muzio 425-736-3878

Molly Lambright 425-443-0258

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Senior Class of 2016

Tanya Conger 206-453-3366

Kathy Gersch 425-269-9089

Kathy Umlauf 230-6449

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From Our PTSA President

Hello Islanders!

This is busy week! We have:

PTSA Pass the Hat Fundraiser
MIHS Market Place
MIHS Curriculum Night
Homecoming Activities and Parade
Homecoming Football Game
Homecoming Dance

1. Our PTSA Pass the Hat takes place this Wednesday night during High School Curriculum Night. PTSA Volunteers will be roaming the crowd with their red and white hats collecting cash and check donations. We will also have a table set up during MARKET PLACE.

2. Market Place is the fall Clubs/Sports & Activities fair which precedes curriculum night. Market Place will run from 5:15 PM until 6:20 PM. In addition to Pass the Hat, many MIHS sports and clubs participate in 'MARKET PLACE'. Parents can purchase fan gear, join booster clubs, and become familiar with many of the extracurricular activities offered at MIHS. Note: Bring you checkbook! Some groups can accept credit cards, but many are still bound to paper.

3. Curriculum Night: At 6:20 PM the "mock school day" begins, where parents run through an abbreviated version of their son(s)/daughter(s) 7 period day, attending presentations by their student's teachers. Parents need to log in to Skyward and note their child's schedule and NOTE CLASS ROOM #s. This is a time to hear about classroom policies, grading systems and communication. The schedule only permits 10 minutes per class so it is not a time to have individual conferences with teachers. Teachers will provide parents information about the best way to contact them.

Again, the Pass the Hat/Market Place/Curriculum Night Schedule runs as follows:

5:15 PM- 6:20 PM- Pass the Hat & Market Place

6:20PM - 8:40 PM - Curriculum Night class rotation & Pass the Hat.

Remember to log in to Skyward and record your student's schedule and classrooms to follow through the evening.

Finally, it's time to join the PTSA. Log in to www.mihsptsa.org and join now. You may also sign up for volunteer opportunities and more on the PTSA website. Also remember to check the Mercer Island High School website regularly for news and information.

Jayme Witman

witman3@msn.com.

206-920-6199

From Our Principal

Email Vicki Puckett

Hello Islander Parents:

To see previous letters from Principal Vicki Puckett, click here

PTSA News and Announcements

It's time to join the Mercer Island High School PTSA!

Our online form is a convenient way to make payments for MIHS PTSA membership and contributions to Pass the Hat. You have the option to pay with a personal check or Credit Card via PayPal using this online system. There is NO service fee charged to parents.

PAY ONLINE for:

Individual or Family Discount PTSA Membership which includes a MIHS PTSA Directory
Pass the Hat contributions
Friends of the Library donations
Personalized Bricks

All donations are tax deductible! Don't forget our Corporate Match Program to help make your taxable donation stretch even farther!

The One & Only MIHS PTSA Fundraiser of the Year!

Proceeds from Pass the Hat establish the MIHS PTSA 2015-2016 operating budget, which provides funds for:

Partnership Grants and Classroom Support
Student Leadership Training
Counseling Center Support and College Series Presentations
Parent Education Events
Staff Training
Field Trips
Class Supplies
Bridges
Emergency Supplies

To help meet our fundraising goals, we suggest a minimum contribution of $100.00 per student, which is 100% tax deductible. For more information:

https://mihsptsa.org/fundraising/pass-the-hat-contributions/

It's time to update your Directory Information

MIHS PTSA members receive a school directory with their membership. If you would like to update your contact information for the PTSA Directory, click here. If you do not update your information, we will use the most recent information from Skyward. Note that updating the information here does not update your contact information in Skyward (the district database). If you need to update your contact information with the school district, you must contact

PTSA News and Announcements - Continued

College Night Series 2015-2016

Co-Sponsored by the MIHS PTSA and MIHS Counseling Department

Please mark your calendars for the College Night Series, designed to provide MIHS families with important college choice, application and admission information. The series topics and dates are listed below. Please check the PTSA newsletter, the Islander Update and the PTSA and Counseling Center links at http://www.mercerislandschools.org/Page/5505 throughout the year for updated information. Some of these evenings are for specific populations of students. Please take a moment to read all the descriptions before selecting which seminars to attend.

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.

Remaining Presentations:

College Preparation and Selection Process - October 12, 2015 - MIHS Auditorium

This seminar will provide basic information and is particularly geared to freshmen, sophomores and juniors and their parents. It will cover the overall college preparation and selection process. Get a roadmap for what your student needs to be doing now!

Financing the College Education - November 17, 2015 - 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.

College for Students with Learning Differences - January 11, 2016 - 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.

Highly Selective College Night - January 19, 2016 - 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.

Click here for a link to the registration form.

Next Mock SAT/ACT Practice Test Registration

Registration is open for the October 17 Mock SAT test. The registration deadline is October 13th. For the registration document click here, download a form, fill it out, and sent it to Kathy Umlauf, 6470 East Mercer Way,Mercer Island, WA 98040. The test is $30 if the registration form is delivered by the first registration deadline. $40 after that deadline.

Click here for more information about Mock SAT/ACT tests for 2015/16

Questions? Contact Kathy Umlauf at rkumlauf@comcast.net

Mercer Island Parent Edge

2015-2016 Speakers Announced.

For a link to the MI Parent Edge website and information about upcoming speakers in October 2015 and March 2016 Click here!

MI Parent Edge - 2015-2016 Parent Education Events

Join Parent Edge for a great year of stimulating speakers and events! From our kick-off event with the much-heralded Julie Lythcott-Haims speaking on the risks of helicopter parenting while sharing practical alternative strategies, to an evening with New York Times columnist and author Ron Lieber sharing wisdom for turning conversations about money into lessons about living - it's quite a line up! Please visit www.miparentedge.org for more information. MI Parent Edge is jointly sponsored by the PTA's of Lakeridge, Island Park, West Mercer, Islander Middle, and MIHS schools.

Next month, MI Parent Edge Presents:

Throw Out the Checklisted Childhood!

Julie Lythcott-Haims, author of "How to Raise an Adult: Break Free of the Overparenting

Trap and Prepare Your Kid for Success"

Thurs., October 29 at 7 PM at the MIHS PAC

Join Parent Edge as we welcome Julie Lythcott-Haims, author and former Stanford University Dean of Freshmen, for an engaging and informative evening taking a hard look at the overparenting trend in today's society. While the stories and statistics can be tough to hear, especially since we will likely catch a glimpse of ourselves in the mix, the solutions and end-result of raising self-sufficient, resourceful kids is well worth the pain! Go to www.howtoraiseanadult.com for recent press, articles and interviews with Julie!

Free for PTA Members

For parents of kids of all ages

MIHS News (including Senior Info)

Check the MIHS website for the latest announcements, calendar information, and links to activities.

Mercer Island High School 2015 Homecoming Schedule

This is a brief summary of what MIHS Students will be doing this week to celebrate Homecoming

2015 HOMECOMING THEME: "HOME SWEET HOME"

Monday - Thursday

Class ASB Officers are coordinating the construction of class floats. They need student help! Have your student contact their Class ASB Officers to get more information. Further details and announcements will be in the Daily Bulletin.

MONDAY: "Make yourself at home" Day

Students are encouraged to wear pajamas, nightcaps, slippers, etc.

TUESDAY: "Class Color Wars"

Freshman: Pink

Sophomores: Green

Juniors: White

Seniors: Blue

WEDNESDAY: "Home Team Sports" Day

Students are encouraged to wear any sporting gear for their favorite team.

THURSDAY: "USA" Day

Students are encouraged to wear red, white & blue/Americana clothing.

FRIDAY: "Maroon and White" Day

Students are encouraged to get decked out head to toe in maroon and white.

FRIDAY: Student Homecoming Assembly, 1:40 PM - MIHS Main Gym

Homecoming Royalty will be announced and Class Dance Competitions take place.

FRIDAY: Homecoming Parade, 4:30 PM - Town Center.

The parade starts at Mercerdale Park and continues through the town center. MIHS Marching Band, Homecoming Royalty and Class Floats will all be participating in this fun event. Rain or shine!

FRIDAY: Homecoming Football Game, 7:00 PM - MIHS Stadium

The MIHS Marching Band will perform and Royalty presentations will be made during the halftime show.

SATURDAY: Homecoming Dance, 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM - MIHS Commons

Dance tickets will be on sale in the commons during lunches this week. $20/ea with ASB card, $25/ea without. All fines must be paid and overdue library books returned to purchase tickets.

Attention Parents of Metro Bus Riders:

All buses that arrive in the morning and depart after school from MIHS. This includes the Yellow Buses and Metro Routes 891, 892, and 894. They are all using the bus loading zone along the east side of the building on 92nd. Car drop off/pick up is not allowed in the load zone along 92nd before or after school.

MIHS Drop Off/Pick up and Parking Lot Procedures 2015-16

(a copy of these procedures is available in the front office)
Mercer Island High school has a Drop Off area for your convenience. If you are dropping off your student please drive down 42nd Street and turn into the school's new and improved drop off lanes right at the front entrance to the school and flag pole. When dropping off a student(s) PLEASE KEEP MOVING FORWARD as far as you can to allow for others to drop off students.

There are four spots once you turn into the school's driveway on the left side reserved for 10 minute loading and unloading. If you use one of these spots, make sure to give you license plate info to a Secretary in the Main Office

Please do not park next to any curbs painted in RED. These designated areas are reserved fire lanes. NO PARKING ALLOWED!

For those parents and visitors who will be here longer than 10 minutes, please pull into the MAIN PARKING LOT. There are labeled visitors spots (#1-13) for your convenience. Remember to stop in to the Main Office and record your spot # and make of vehicle. PLEASE ONLY USE VISITOR SPOTS, If you park in a Staff Spot (any spot other than #1-13), your car may be booted or blocked in.

All visitors must check in at the Main Office and get a VISITOR badge.

We recognize parking spots are limited in our mega-block. Spots are not always available when visitors need them. Please plan accordingly when you need to visit the High School. Overflow parking is available at the Administration Building on the corner of 86th and 42nd. This is about an 5 minute walk from the High School.

CLASS OF 2016 SENIOR ANNOUNCEMENTS

Senior Information regarding Yearbook; Picture, Ads, Quotes

Senior Yearbook Photos - Due October 2, 2015

The Yearbook Staff will use school ID images if they do not receive a personal photograph from you. Click here for details on our MIHS PTSA Website - Senior Page.

Senior Ads - Due December 4th, 2015

Click here for details.

Click here for an order form.

IMPORTANT DATES FOR SENIORS

October 2: THIS WEEK!! Senior Portraits and Quotes for yearbook due.
November 25: Graduation caps & gown orders and announcement orders due. Look for more info to come.
December 4: Deadline to order Senior Ads in yearbook. See article above for more info.
Wednesday, June 15, 7:00 pm: Baccalaureate (location TBD)
Thursday, June 16, 7:00 am: Senior Breakfast, MIHS Gym
Thursday, June 16, 7:00 pm: Graduation, Key Arena
Thursday, June 16, 10:00 pm - 6:00 am: Senior Party (location TOP SECRET)

MIHS Counselors Are In Touch!

Our MIHS Academic Counselors will be updating parents with a monthly Counseling Center Update. It will be posted on the Counseling Center webpage, and we will link to the letter in our weekly newsletter. See below for this month's information.

"Welcome!

The MIHS Counseling Department is proud to be a part of our fabulous school and is willing to serve you as best we can. Our department has four counselors to help students with social adjustments to high school, academic growth and program planning. Our college counselor will start working with students on an individual basis during the second semester of the junior year but offers a college lecture series for parents, visits junior classes and senior classes, and offers lunch workshops for all students. Alphabetical counselors also visit classrooms, talking with students about course selections, graduation requirements, activities and services available in our school, study skills, and career services. "

Click here for a link to the rest of the Counseling Center Monthly letter including important updates.

MIHS PTSA/Counseling Center College Series #2 - College Preparation and Selection Process - October 12th.

This presentation is geared for parents of 9th - 11th graders and provides a road map for what college bound students need to be doing now!

For more information about the College Series sponsored by the MIHS PTSA and presented by our College Counselor, MJ Hillstrom, Click here for a link to the Counseling Center website.

College Representative Visits at Mercer Island High School

Did you know, Colleges and post-secondary programs from around the world send representatives to the High School throughout the school year? These visits are coordinated by our College Counselor, MJ Hillstrom and are designed to provide information to our students. Visits are announced each day in the Daily Bulletin, on the reader board in the Commons, and outside the Athletic Office. These visits are for students ONLY. The Representatives set up displays in the front hallways. MJ also posts daily updates in:

~ The Naviance/Family Connection student account (all classes except

freshmen have an account at this time)

~Naviance emails sent to seniors and parents weekly

~Poster list at the MIHS Counseling Center door

More information can be found here.

Questions can be directed to MJ Hillstrom, College Counselor

MIHS Clubs and Athletics Announcements

MIHS All Season Sports Passes are on sale

This year the school has moved to a punch card system. Punch cards are good for any regular season varsity event and come in 10 game cards. They are available from the ASB office, or purchase Online (login with Skyward information, choose "Items at students school", "Sports", "Season Pass". Cards purchased online may be picked up in the ASB office beginning September 8th.

Legislation and Advocacy

Summary of Community Meeting with Sound Transit

Mercer Island Community Center

With the construction of the East Link Light Rail project, significant transportation infrastructure changes are coming to Mercer Island. These changes will affect both Mercer Island residents, as well as, Mercer Island School District (MISD) employees as approximately two-thirds reside off island.

Additional listening sessions have been scheduled for Mercer Island residents. Click here for details.

For more information:

Light Rail Across Lake Washington (http://www.mercergov.org/Page.asp?NavID=3036)

Integration of Bus and Rail Transit (http://www.mercergov.org/Page.asp?NavID=3039)

Legislative Assembly 2015-16

Legislative Assembly is October 24, 2015 at the Red Lion Inn in Olympia. If you are interested in attending, contact our Co-VP of Advocacy, Wendy Weiker.

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

olunteers Needed!

MIHS ASB URGENTLY Needs Volunteers for Homecoming:

Can you spare some time to volunteer during the parade? Click here

Can you chaperone the dance, or help with decorating on Saturday, 10/3?

Click here or email Connie Shepherd to sign up.

Our PTSA Board is still filling jobs for this year. Click here to indicate your interests; from Staff Appreciation to Islander Days - we need your help! Please consider how you can volunteer during the 2015-2016 school year and complete the online form at MIHS PTSA website.

Questions? Contact Laurie Raisys at volunteer@mihsptsa.org

In the Community

Mercer Island High School PTSA (MIHS PTSA) and the Mercer Island School District have neither reviewed nor approved the programs, personnel, activities or organizations announced in these flyers or websites. The participants agree to protect, indemnify, and hold harmless the district and MIHS PTSA, including elected and appointed officials, employees, agents, staff and volunteers, from any and all claims, liabilities, damages, expenses, or rights of action, directly or indirectly attributed to the activities. Permission to distribute this information and or flyers should not be considered a recommendation of the programs by the school district or by the MIHS PTSA. These are neither school district nor MIHS PTSA sponsored activities.

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 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

Question of the Week

Q:Where can I find information about daily schedules? What is a block week vs. a seven period, no block week?

A: The Mercer Island High School webpage has a 'DAILY SCHEDULES' link on the left side. This page contains links to the following:

Daily "regular" block schedule

Seven period (no block) schedule

AM assembly schedule

No block PM assembly schedule

and the

Seven period (no block) week for 2015-16

If you bookmark this page you will be able to check schedules on your computer or smartphone. Seven period weeks take place during "short weeks", testing weeks, and Showcase weeks. Schedules are also adjusted during finals.