topPTSA#2.9.50                                                                     October 26, 2015

Click any of the links below to jump to that spot in the newsletter.


October 26 Candidate Forum

Principal's Letter

Volunteer Help Needed

News and Information from our MIHS Counselors 

Join us October 29th!

Join Our List

Join Our Mailing List
CalendarEvents:*
October

Oct 26 - Candidate Forum, Focus on Schools, 7-9pm, W. Mercer Elementary

Oct 27 - (NEW DATE) SAT-ACT Review hosted by MIHS PTSA

Oct 28 - MIHS PTSA Staff Appreciation Lunch.

November

Nov 4 - Veteran's Day Assembly, 9:35am, Main Gym

Nov 6 - MIHS Senior Service Blood Drive, 7:30am, West Gym

Nov 9 - Fall Sports Begin

Nov 10 - MIHS PTSA Island Book Night

Nov 11 - Veteran's Day.  No School 

Nov 12 - 14 - MIHS Drama, Hello Dolly, 7pm, MIHS PAC

Nov 17 - College Series Presentation - Financing the College Education, 6pm, MIHS PAC

Nov 19 - 21 - MIHS Drama, Hello Dolly, 7pm, MIHS PAC

**  Calendar information current as of 10/25/2015.  Always check the District calendar for updates.

 

Have a Question about Student Life at MIHS? Maybe the Answer is in the MIHS Student Handbook:

MIHS Student Handbook

Sports Calendar

Quick Links

 

 

 






Join the PTSA!
Care to Volunteer?

 

PTSA 2015-2016 Executive Committee


President   Jayme Witman
VP/Elect   Jackie Brown
Secretary  Amy Melick
Co-Treasurer  Lesley Kalmin
Co-Treasurer  Kristen Glant
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 & Hilary Benson
  
Parent Advisory Committee
 
Freshman Class of 2019
TBA

Sophomore Class of 2018
Lisa Kittilsby                999-8494
Enas Muzio          425-736-3878
Molly Lambright   425-443-0258
 
Junior Class of 2017
TBA

Senior Class of 2016
Tanya Conger     206-453-3366
Kathy Gersch      425-269-9089
Kathy Umlauf             230-6449
 
MISD Advisory Council Rep
Debbie Hanson           236-3091 

MISD Board of Directors


Pat Braman            232-1551
Dave Myerson        236-1058
Brian Emanuels     232-0556
Adair Dingle            230-8790
Ralph Jorgenson    605-5757
                            236-3300

Submit an Article

To submit an article for review for our next issue:

 

mihsnewsletter@hotmail.com 

 
From Our PTSA President President
Hello Islander Parents:

Our school year is well under way, so I thought I would remind everyone of 2 documents that are important for us to review annually. The MISD  Mutual Respect and Shared Responsibilities agreement as well as the MI high school Concerns Flow Chart.
 
Our teachers, staff, and administrators work very hard toward collaborating in our students best educational experience. Every so often, you may feel a need to partner with our educators for one reason or another. The MIHS Concerns Flow Chart serves as a great reference tool in the channels of communication to improve efficiency  & efficacy to best address student concerns. It walks you and your student through the points of contact and order of events. Please review the flow chart here.
 
In a small community like Mercer island, one erroneous tidbit of information can run like wildfire in a matter of hours. If you hear information that "doesn't quite sound right" or is a huge change in a school or district standard or policy, the Mutual Respect and Shared Responsibilities agreement is a great reminder of the best way to proceed to confirm "what you heard".  Read it here.  If you are unclear in the best way to confirm something, I would love  to be your first stop! If I don't know the answer, I am happy to do the research and get answers for you.
 
Have a great school year and I'd love to hear from you!
 
Jayme Witman
206-920-6199
Witman3@msn.com

To see previous letters from PTSA President Jayme Witman, click here
PrincipalBack to Top 
From Our Principal
Vicki Puckett
Email Vicki Puckett

Go Islanders!
Vicki Puckett Principal

To see previous letters from Principal Vicki Puckett, click here 
 PTSAnews
PTSA News and Announcements PTSAawards
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 contribution.
Pass The Hat funds the following:
  • 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
College Night Series 2015-2016
Co-Sponsored by the MIHS PTSA and MIHS Counseling Department.  Click here for dates and information.
eLegislation
Legislation and Advocacy
The Mercer Island PTA Council has a fantastic new website.  Click here to learn about legislation affecting Mercer Island families and how the PTA advocates for our students.

CANDIDATES FORUM - FOCUS ON SCHOOLS (HOSTED BY MI PTA COUNCIL) 
October 26, 7-9 pm
West Mercer Elementary - Gym

Ballots have arrived.  Do you know where the candidates stand on school related issues? Come get informed and hear from all of the Mercer Island candidates running in the November 3rd General Election. This forum is an opportunity for the candidates to share their positions on school-related issues. This forum will include a brief talk from each of the candidates and an ample audience Q&A period.

Mercer Island School Board Candidate Presentations: David D'Souza, Tracy Drinkwater, Bill Hochberg, School Board Member Ralph Jorgenson

Mercer Island City Council Candidate Presentations: Dave Wisenteiner,  Council Member Jane Meyer Brahm, Salim Nice, Wendy Weiker, Jeff Sanderson, Tom Acker, Council Member Bruce Bassett, Traci Granbois and Council Member Debbie Bertlin

To learn more about the November 3 General Election please visit: King County Election Website

2015/2016 National PTA Reflections Art Contest
"Let Your Imagination Fly"

No experience is required to participate in Reflections!
Choose the arts category you're interested in, create an original piece of artwork based on the theme: "Let Your Imagination Fly" and be recognized as in artist in your community.

Rules and entry forms can be found for submission of Dance Choreography, Film Production, Literature, Musical Composition, Photography and Visual Arts here.  Entry forms are also available at Mercer Island High School's main office.  The deadline for submission is Tuesday, December 1, 2015 

Questions contact: reflectionsmercerisland@gmail.com, put school name on subject line or Tracey Dubofsky at dubofsky@comcast.net.

CollegenightseriesBack to Top 

Mock SAT Practice Test Registration
Registration is open for the November 21st Mock ACT test.  The registration deadline is Tuesday, November 17th. For the registration document click here, download a form, fill it out, and send 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

ParentEdgeBack to Top

Mercer Island Parent Edge
Parentedge
MI Parent Edge Presents:  Julie Lythcott-Haims
Author of the New York Times Bestseller "How to Raise an Adult: Break Free of the Overparenting Trap and Prepare Your Kid for Success"

This week - Thursday, October 29 at 7 PM at the MIHS PAC

Throw out the checklisted childhood!!  Julie Lythcott-Haims, former Stanford University Dean of Freshmen, takes a hard look at the over-parenting 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.

Come See What All The Buzz Is About!

Free for Mercer Island PTA Members
$10 at the door for non-MI PTA Members - Bring a friend!
For parents of kids of all ages

Visit www.miparentedge.org for more information on this and other local events. 

MI Parent Edge is jointly sponsored by the PTA's of Lakeridge, Island Park, West Mercer, Islander Middle, and MIHS schools and MIPA.

MIHSNEWSBack to Top 

MIHS News (including Senior Info)
Check the MIHS website for the latest announcements, calendar information, and links to Band
Mercer Island Band Boosters Presents:


A Band Together Fundraiser for Grades 5 - 12

Don't miss this unique evening to support Mercer Island School District band programs.  The evening's theme, "Island ¡Carnival!" will feature an eclectic mix of music by Seattle-based band En Canto, wine, beer, hors d'oeuvres and desserts with a Brazillian flair along with one-of-a-kind Live and Silent auction items.  Tickets for this adults only event are available in limited quantity for $75 per person. For tickets, visit www.misbb.org.

 
MIHS Drama Department Presents:

"And what do you do for a living, Mrs. Levi?" asks Ambrose Kemper in the first scene of this classic American musical comedy. "Some people paint, some sew... I meddle," replies Dolly. And we are off on a whirlwind race around New York at the turn of the twentieth century, as we follow the adventures of America's most beloved matchmaker! Please come join the MIHS Drama Department in our fall musical, HELLO, DOLLY!, as Dolly Levi does her best to bring love and companionship to the citizens of New York. A production filled with upbeat dance numbers and memorable songs like Put On Your Sunday Clothes, Hello, Dolly!, andIt Only Takes a Moment, audience members of all ages are sure to enjoy their time watching this show.
Performances are in the MIHS Performing Arts Center on November 12-14 and 19-21 at 7pm. Pre-sale tickets can be purchased from the cast or on campus during lunch for $10. Tickets purchased at the door are $15. Seniors 65+ and children under 7 are $5.
Additional information here.
Senior
Class of 2016 Senior Announcements;
Senior Information regarding Yearbook; Picture, Ads, Quotes
Senior Ads -  Due December 4th, 2015
Click here for details.
Click here for an order form.

Important dates:
  • 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)
Counseling                                                                                                                                                Back to Top 
MIHS Counselors Are In Touch!
Our MIHS Academic Counselors will be providing parents with a monthly Counseling Center Update Letter.  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.

Class visits, NACAC College Fair and MIHS College Visit information are all discussed in this month's update:  Click here for a link. 

More information from the Counseling Center can be found here.

Questions can be directed to MJ Hillstrom, College Counselor
 ClubsAthletics
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.

College Athletics
Is your student playing a sport at a Division 1, 2, or 3 school next year?  Did you know that only 1% of high school athletes play at the collegiate level?  Please let Mark Jergens-Zmuda know if your student has committed to play a sport in college and at which school he or she plans to play.

  Volunteers                                                                                                                              Back to top

Volunteers Needed!LibraryHelp
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
stafflunch

Staff Appreciation Luncheon, THIS WEDNESDAY!  No Tricks, just Treats! 
Please help us "treat" MIHS staff to a Halloween lunch on Wednesday Oct 28.  This is a super fun way to say "thank you" for all they do for our kids.  There are lots of slots left for food donations and a few for serving.  From store bought to home made, many options are available. Join the fun!  Deliver items to the staff lounge between 8:30am and 10am and if items need to be chilled (including beverages), please put in refrigerator. 

To sign up on SignUpGenius, click here.

Thank you from Anna Rudey, Emily Thompson, Mary Wittman and Karen Zimmer, October staff lunch hostesses.

 Community
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. 
Enjoy the benefits of Hosting an Exchange Student from Italy!
 
Ergon is the leading organization for Italian Exchange Students.  Partnered with NorthWest Student Exchange, Ergon specializes in placements that have a rigorous selection process and that match your exchange student to complement you and your family.

Experience a different culture and build lasting relationships that will strengthen your own family dynamics.  Enjoy the opportunity for your son or daughter to travel abroad to your exchange student's family during summer vacation, and Ergon will sponsor the flight!
 
Please email Jane Gallup at jragallup@comcast.net and visit our website at www.ergon-se.org for additional detail.

The KCLS Life After High School Series 
All of the following programs are at the Mercer Island Library and registration is not required.

Opportunities at Community and Technical Colleges / Tuesday, October 27, 7pm
Presented by Gina Nakamura, Seattle Central College. What opportunities are available at our local Community and Technical Colleges? Learn about admissions, academic programs, and student services (including services/programs for students with special needs or other special considerations) from the Senior Outreach Coordinator at Seattle Central College. Students and parents welcome!

The World as Your Classroom / Tuesday, November 3, 7 pm
Presented by Maggie Hawthorne Kaye, Hawthorne Educational Consulting
Have you dreamed of traveling the globe, but assumed it was out of reach? This workshop will explore ways to make your dreams come true. Topics will include working abroad, taking a "gap year," participating in study abroad programs, and earning your entire degree in a foreign country. Learn about scholarships, foreign colleges where classes are taught in English, colleges that are free to international students, and local colleges that have the best study abroad options.  Students and parents welcome!

Get Updated On What's Going On Around Mercer Island                                     
cityevent
 
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

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:


and the 

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.  

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