topPTSA#2.9.50                                                                  November 16, 2015

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Principal's Letter

Volunteer Help Needed

 

MIHS Counseling Center News - A Fall Feast of Services!

 
 Due dates approaching!

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CalendarEvents:*
November

Nov 16 - Winter sports tryouts begin

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

Nov 17 - MOCK ACT registration due

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

Nov 21 - Mock ACT, 9am, MIPC (8:30 am check in)

Nov 23 - All winter sports parent meeting 6pm-8:00pm

Nov 26 - Thanksgiving break begins

**  Calendar information current as of 11/15/2015.  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

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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. Suzanne Riley
VP Outreach Betsy O'Connell
Co-VP Ops.  Kathy Bauman
Co-VP Ops.  Lori Coe
Co-VP Leg Adv Wendy Weiker & Hilary Benson
  
Parent Advisory Committee
 
Freshman Class of 2019
CC Crenshaw       
206-230-8282
Amie Fahey           206-232-2639
Loulia Howard      206-334-9915
Maryellen Johnson 206-420-8866
Betsy Robertson   206-230-4151
Emily Thompson   206-232-9881
Cara Williams       206-232-8446

Sophomore Class of 2018
Lisa Kittilsby         206-999-8494
Enas Muzio           425-736-3878
Molly Lambright   425-443-0258
 
Junior Class of 2017
Jane Rosenstein   206-275-1977
Ivy Suzuki-Jaecks 206-236-3485

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

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

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To submit an article for review for our next issue:

 

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From Our PTSA President President
Hello Islander Parents:

While you are thinking about that Thanksgiving shopping list, there is a flurry of activities happening at MIHS in the next 10 days. Here is a brief run-down:

-Winter sports begin this week! It's not to late to sign up. Information and forms can be found on the ATHLETICS tab on the left hand side of the home page.

-Tuesday November 17th, there is a great college prep presentation called Financing the College Education. 6pm in the PAC.

-The Drama Department is finishing it's run of Hello Dolly this week on Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 7:00pm in the PAC. You don't want to miss it! It's fantastic!

-Saturday November 21st is another opportunity to take the MOCK SAT/ACT at 8:30am.

-Our Winter Sports Parent Meeting is next week on Tuesday November 24th from 6:00-8:30pm. It starts in the PAC and then small break outs occur to meet with your respective sport team coaches to learn more about the season.

Now go finish that Thanksgiving shopping list and stay dry.

Go Islanders!
  
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

To see previous letters from Principal Vicki Puckett, click here 

Planoletter
From Our Superintendent
Gary Plano
Dear Mercer Island parents,

I can't believe it's almost Thanksgiving! The school year began in earnest with welcoming over 300 new families to our district. Many are new to our state or even to the United States. The district held a new family welcome last month, where our new families and students met with other families, some of whom we called "parent ambassadors." Many of these parent ambassadors are multi-lingual, and offered to help with school and community transitions to a new home and locale. Please help us welcome these new families to our school community when you meet them in the shops, play-fields and schools.

Our enrollment is higher than in prior years. Overall we gained 33 new students district-wide over last year's total, putting enrollment at 4,256. Just since 2010, nearly 200 more students have joined our school district.

While construction continues on the new Northwood Elementary School and Islander Middle School, the new 10-classroom wing at the high school has been in use since the first day of school in September. It includes four new science labs, designed for science, technology and engineering and six new general-purpose classrooms.

Our new Northwood Elementary School is going up before our eyes. It will open in the fall of 2016 with nearly 450 students, as we 'right-size' all of our elementary schools. In fact, all of our elementary schools will be 'new' in that they will have the right number of students that each school was designed to accommodate.

Finally, our expanded Islander Middle School has a new parking area and student drop-off area. The buildings that will house the gym and the music rooms are taking shape. This expansion will be completed and open for students in the fall of 2016.

All of our construction projects remain on time and within budget.

Regarding start times for high school, parents will receive a survey from the district examining the feasibility of starting school late only on Wednesdays, instead of early-release Wednesdays.  Our K-8 schools will remain on early-release Wednesdays. This possible high school change is designed to reflect research regarding our high school students' sleep needs and their biological clocks.

We are continuing our study to bring a Spanish-language program to all of our elementary schools beginning in the fall of 2016. This will require the expansion of our elementary instructional day by some 15 minutes. Please watch for a survey that will come out before the Thanksgiving break, to seek your input and support. Please take the time to respond and give us your feedback.

Finally, our Mercer Island Schools Foundation recently held its annual Phone-A-Thon to raise money for classroom enrichment and teacher training. Thank you for supporting the Foundation's work. This fall's Phone-A-Thon has a campaign goal of approximately $500,000 to purchase curriculum materials and support professional development throughout our system. Next spring, the Foundation will hold its annual Breakfast of Champions event, where another $1M is often pledged and supported by you.

I look forward to meeting all of you, including new families, in our school communities in the coming weeks. If I do not know you by name, please help me get to know you by introducing yourself to me.

Dr. Gary Plano

To see previous letters from Dr. Gary Plano, click here. 
ptsanewsannouncements
PTSA News and Announcements PTSAawards
MIHS Student Directories Being Distributed
 on Nov. 18th
 
If you joined the MIHS PTSA you should be receiving your student directory this week (November 18th).  Directories were labeled to be distributed to the oldest sibling.  Please check with your student.  If your student did not receive your directory from his/her Bridges leader, please contact Nannette Bassett at nannettebas@gmail.com. She can confirm your PTSA membership and the number of directories ordered.
 
Thank you!
Robyn Newell & Nannette Bassett

Help out with the MIHS PTSA Staff Appreciation Luncheon on 12/2!
The next Staff Appreciation lunch is coming up on Wed 12/2. If you'd like to show your support for our amazing MIHS staff, please sign up to participate in the Holiday Italian Lunch 
here.

College Night Series 2015-2016
Next in the series is 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.

Co-Sponsored by the MIHS PTSA and MIHS Counseling Department.  Click here for dates and information.
Legislation

Join the Mercer Island High School PTSA!

Donations can also be made via the registration page.  MIHS PTSA Donations pay 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
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.
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.  The rules are downloadable files on the Washington State PTA website and are located 1/2 way down the page under RULES.  Entry forms are also available at Mercer Island High School's main office.  The deadline for submission is Tuesday, December 1, 2015 

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

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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

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

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!, and It 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. Pre-sale tickets can now also be purchased online for $10. Follow this link Online Presale Tickets sign-in with your Skyward account or create a guest account, and go to the Mercer Island High School link and then the Performing Arts Link. Tickets purchased at the door are $15. Seniors 65+ and children under 7 are $5.

Additional information here.
Senior
Class of 2016 Senior Announcements:

College Series Presentation:  Financing Your Childs College Education - 11/17, 6:30 PM.  This is a must see!  Learn about the FAFSA, due dates and other important tips for managing the financial part of college..  

Class of 2016 Cap & Gown Orders Due by 11/25: All Seniors participating in graduation need to have a cap and gown (white for girls, maroon for boys). These can be purchased online at www.jostens.com. Select MIHS to see items selected for our school. Only cap and gowns are required, all other items are optional.


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.  
  • 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.

Use of school breaks, senior graduation status, last class drop, PSAT and practice ACT results, and Method test prep are all discussed in this month's update:  Click Here to download and read the full letter. 

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 
Winter Sports meeting
Attention Parents and Students participating in Winter Sports.  There is a meeting for all winter athletes and parents in the PAC on November 23rd from 6-8pm.  We will have some important information to share and will be a fun evening.  Mark your calendars and please be present.

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


Volunteers needed for the 12/2 Staff Appreciation Luncheon:
The next Staff Appreciation lunch is coming up on Wed 12/2. If you'd like to show your support for our amazing MIHS staff, please sign up to participate in the Holiday Italian Lunch here.

 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.

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


Programs Happening in our Community - 
The MIHS PTSA has not reviewed or endorsed these programs.  See above.

Washington Student Cycling League - Mercer Island Information Meeting, 11/19/15.  Click here for more information.

YMCA - Environmental Leader's Summit, 12/4/15.  Click here for more information.

Question

Question of the Week
Q: How do I find out of there is a weather or emergency related closure of MIHS?

A:  The most reliable way to receive updates is to sign up for FlashAlert.  The FlashAlert system typically notifies families quickly, as it is tied directly to our transportation service.  This also means families may receive emails or text messages in the very early morning, (like 4 am) so be warned!!  Also NOTE; this system used to be called SchoolReport.org but with their transition, registration information did NOT migrate from one system to the other so if you think you are signed up, you should DOUBLE CHECK.

In order to get immediate updates via email and/or text you must register with the Flash Alert Network at http://www.flashalert.net. 

**The sign up process is a little complicated, you must click on the Seattle area in our state and select King County Schools.  Then select Mercer Island SD from the list.  At that point you need to enter your email information and complete the verification process.

When there is an emergency closure or weather related closure the Administration will also send information via Constant Contact  (this listserv), but the most timely and reliable service for closures, particularly in the morning, is FlashAlert.


P.S.
We are leaving the schedule links here in the event you have not bookmarked them:

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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