topPTSA#2.9.50                                                                  November 30, 2015

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MIHS News and Announcements

Senior Class Announcements
Senior Ad orders due Friday 12/4



Principal's Letter

Volunteer Help Needed

Staff Appreciation Lunch 12/2

MIHS Counseling Center News

A Fall Feast of Services

 

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CalendarEvents:*
December

Dec 1 - SAT-ACT review hosted by MIHS PTSA

Dec 4 - MIHS school wide food drive
begins and winter assembly 2:00-3:00 p.m.

Dec 6 - 18 - MIHS School Wide Food Drive

Dec 8 - Winter Concert 1, 7:30-9:00 p.m.

Dec 9 - Winter Concert 2, 7:30-9:00 p.m.

Dec 10 - PTSA General Meeting, 9:30 a.m.-11:00 a.m.

Dec 21 thru Jan 1 - Winter Break

**  Calendar information current as of 11/29/2015.  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!
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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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legislation 
From Our PTSA President President
Happy fall Islander families! 

First quarter has come to a close and we are rolling right in to quarter 2. Principal Puckett conducted her first PAC (parent advisory council) meeting this month. She and I have worked together to reshape the PAC to provide the parent reps with an opportunity to learn more about our school, staff, and programs in conjunction with them providing important feedback to us regarding your questions and concerns. This month, Vicki invited our MISD and MIHS technology experts to share information about the use of technology in the classroom as well as wonderful hints, tips and suggestions about Internet/technology safety at home.

The PAC representatives were so impressed with the information presented, they asked that the presentation be available for all of our parents to review. The link to the presentation is here.  Please take a look. I am sure you will learn a few things. There was a very healthy discussion during the presentation, so I am certain you will have comments and questions. I'd love to hear from you, or would encourage you to reach out to your respective PAC representatives. Their names and contact information can be found on the left hand side of this newsletter.

To see previous letters from PTSA President Jayme Witman, click here
PrincipalBack to Top 
From Our Principal
Vicki Puckett
Email Vicki Puckett
Hello Islander Parents:
 
1st Quarter Grades:
The first quarter is ending and students are well into the routine of school. Please go on Skyward to look at your student's first quarter grades on or after 5:00 PM on Wednesday, Nov. 18th.
 
Emergency School Closure Information: As our Northwest Storm Season blows in, it is time to remind parents to register for the FlashAlert notification system. The FlashAlert Emergency listserv is housed by an outside organization and is tied directly to the school closure and late start media broadcast system. We will use this system to broadcast emergency or safety related messages. 
 
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 old School Report system migrated to Flash Alert last year so even if you were previously receiving alerts via SchoolReport.org in years past, you must register with Flash Alert.  If you encounter difficulties joining this list, please contact Andreeves Ronser.
 
In addition to the FlashAlert System, MISD also sends emails via the PTSA's Constant Contact listserv.  We will be sending a more detailed article outlining the MISD's Emergency/Alert process soon.  
 
Boys & Girls Club Annual Breakfast Meeting: Wednesday, December 9, 2015 from 7:00 - 8:15 at the Boys & Girls Club. This is the 25th year of this annual Business Breakfast on December 9!  The guest speaker this year is Eric Johnson, KOMO 4 News Anchor. The details and link to register is below, and if you have any questions please contact Boys & Girls Club at mievents@positiveplace.org. This is a great opportunity to meet the new Boys & Girls Club Executive Director, John B. Oates.
 
Thanksgiving: On behalf of our staff, I want to wish all of our parents and students a thoughtful Thanksgiving for all that we have in our lives. We are so fortunate to have your students at MIHS. They are inspirational and good citizens.  Thank you.
 
Best Regards,
 
Vicki Puckett
Principal

To see previous letters from Principal Vicki Puckett, click here 

Planoletter
From Our Superintendent
Gary Plano

To see previous letters from Dr. Gary Plano, click here. 
ptsanewsannouncements
Important Announcement From 
Our Associate Principal
Dear Parents,

We have had an abundance of deliveries and requests for things like flowers, balloons, and even a singing gorilla come to the school to be delivered the past few days for students. 

According to our student handbook...

DELIVERY SERVICE / MESSAGES
Special delivery requests (messages, lunches, supplies, homework, flowers, food, birthday gifts, etc.) will not be allowed due to the overwhelming number of requests. Items may be brought to the Attendance Office for pick-up, but will not be delivered to classrooms.

Please go over this with your students.  There are a few reasons behind this....we do not want to detract from lessons and teaching instructional time.  Second, it comes down to the "haves and the have nots".  Some students at our school also try to outdo each other.  Although the gesture is a kind one, often recognizing birthdays or great accomplishments, we do not have the ability to deliver these items.  Some families also do not realize that we have students allergic to latex in balloons and some flowers.  Thanks for your attention to this matter. 

Mark R. Jergens-Zmuda
Mercer Island HS
Assoc. Principal/Athletic Director
PTSAnews
PTSA News and Announcements PTSAawards
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 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.

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

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.

CollegenightseriesBack to Top 

Mock SAT (Revised version) Practice Test Registration
Registration is open for the February 6th Mock SAT (revised version) test.  The registration deadline is Tuesday, February 2nd. 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

MIHSNEWSBack to Top 

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

Class of 2016 Senior Party Fundraiser
 at Terra Bella, Wed 12/2, 4-8pm

Get your holiday shopping done while you support the Class of 2016 Senior Party! Join us at Terra Bella on Mercer Island on Wednesday, December 2nd, from 4:00 to 8:00 pm. 10% of all proceeds will be donated to support scholarships and help lower ticket prices for the 2016 Post-Graduation event. Appetizers and beverages will be provided while you shop.

You'll find gifts for everybody at Terra Bella, including a wide range of holiday decorations, home décor, jewelry, apparel, and gourmet kitchen items that are perfect for hostess gifts, friends, family, and yourself! The store is located at 2864 77th Ave SE, across from the old Albertson's building.

Bring your friends for a fun evening out while you check off your holiday shopping list!


Class of 2016 Senior Announcements:

College Series Presentation:  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.

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:
  • 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)
   COUNSELORS                                                                                                                                            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
 CLUBSANDATHLETICS
MIHS Clubs and Athletics Announcements 
Nick of Time Heart Screening 
The Overlake School is hosting a Nick of Time Heart Screening on the Overlake School Campus in Redmond on Wednesday, December 2nd.  It is not too late for students/families to sign-up for screening, but you will need to do so quickly.  There is no cost, but for families that can afford it, they ask for a $25 donation to the Nick of Time Foundation.  This is truly a screening that can save a life and prevent a tragedy.  Click here for a link to the informational flyer.

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. 

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.

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

Island Youth Ballet Presents: The Nutcracker, December 12, 13, 19, and 20.  Click here for more information.

One World Now! Developing the next generation of global leaders.  Click here for additional 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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