topPTSA#2.9.50                                                          February 22, 2016

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MIHS News and Announcements
Second Annual Biology Open House 6:00 p.m. Febuary 22



Senior Class Announcements




Volunteer Help Needed


MIHS Counseling Center News

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CalendarEvents:*
February 2016

Mid-Winter Break

Feb 22 - Second annual biology Open House- 6:00 p.m.

Feb 23 - SAT-ACT Review hosted by MIHS PTSA - 6:30 p.m.

Feb 29 - Spring sports/tryouts begin

March 2 - ASB Elections - 9:35 a.m. -10:20 a.m.

March 3 - You Can Help: Youth Suicide Prevention Training for Parents - 9:30 a.m.-11:00 a.m.

March 5 - National SAT test date - 8:30 a.m.

March 12 - The Hunting Ground screening - 2:00 p.m.

March 15 -  Parent Edge presentation of The Opposite of Spoiled - Raising Kids Who Are Grounded, Generous and Smart About Money - 7:00 p.m.

March 18 - International Festival dinner and dance - 6:30 p.m.

March 19 - International Festival activities and lunch - 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

**  Calendar information current as of 2/21/16.  Always check the District calendar for updates.
 
Have a Question about Student Life at MIHS? Maybe the Answer is in the 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

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From Our PTSA President President
Islander Families,

Welcome back!

Tonight, MIHS will be hosting the second annual Biology Open House. Over 400 of our students will be presenting the results of independent projects. The entire community is welcome to this fantastic event. Remember, it's tonight from 6-8:00pm in the Commons.

Have you been looking at the Daily Bulletin? There is loads of great information that gets shared daily with all the students at school. Read about all the happenings at MIHS. The Daily Bulletin is on the MIHS home page. It's the 3rd item down on the left hand scroll bar. Take a look!

I hope you are going to get some great family time next week! Go Islanders.......
 
Jayme Witman
witman3@msn.com
206-920-6199
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PTSA News and Announcements PTSAawards
A Special Screening of The Hunting Ground, Educational Edition
Saturday March 12, at 2:00 p.m. at the MIHS Performing Arts Center  

A startling exposé of sexual assault on U.S. college campuses, the institutional cover-ups, and the brutal social toll on victims and their families.

A discussion will follow the film, with representatives from MISD, MIPD, MI Youth & Family Services, King County Sexual Assault Resource Center and UW (Title IX Investigator and Student Peer Health Educators).

"TRIUMPHANT...A STIRRING CALL TO ACTION" -Indiewire

Young men and women will be informed and inspired to change this disturbing trend and work to prevent assault against themselves and others.

All Mercer Island high school-aged students and parents are invited. 

Rated PG-13. This event is free and open to the public.

Sponsored by the Friends of the Mercer Island Library and the MIHS PTSA.
PTSA Members - Still Have Not Received your MIHS PTSA School Directory?
  1. Check your student's backpack.
  2. Have your student ask for it from his/her BRIDGES Teacher.  All school directories were distributed to BRIDGES teachers early in November.
  3. Check that your name made the distribution list in October.  Contact Nanette Bassett.  Note: If you joined after late October, there will be a different distribution method after the holidays.
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
From Our Principalprinltr
Vicki Puckett
Email Vicki Puckett

To see previous letters from Principal Vicki Puckett, click here 

PTSANews

MIHSNEWS VolunteersBack to Top 

Parent Volunteers Needed!
 
Is one of your resolutions for 2016 to become more involved at MIHS?  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.
Mock SAT (Revised version) Practice Test Registration
Registration is open for the April 2nd Mock ACT test.  The registration deadline is Tuesday, March 29th. 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
volunteers
MIHS News (including Senior Info)SeniorMIHSNews
Check the MIHS website for the latest announcements, calendar information, and links to: 
SENIORPARKING
A Special Parent Advisory Committee Meeting
You Can Help: Youth Suicide Prevention Training for Parents 
Thursday, March 3, 9:30-11am, Library Presentation Room

Come and learn the evidence-based prevention strategies that you can use to help any youth in crisis stay safe and get the support they need. Training provided by the MIHS Forefront team.

PAC meetings are open to ALL parents.  You need not be a member of the PAC to attend. For questions contact Kathy Middleton.
 
SCHOOL ACCREDITATION
This spring, Mercer Island High School is undergoing the accreditation process with the Association of Educational Service Districts (AESD).  Accreditation is important because it ensures the quality of the education a student will receive at an institution.  The high school has created a committee to sit down and look over the school improvement plan (SIP) and get feedback from its stakeholders including students, parents, and faculty.  If you are interested in working with the committee please contact Mark Jergens-Zmuda at mark.jergens-zmuda@mercerislandschools.org
seniorannoucement

Class of 2016 Senior Announcements:

Senior Information regarding Yearbook; Picture, Ads, Quotes

Important dates:
  • 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)parentedge
MERCER ISLAND PARENT EDGE PRESENTS
Tuesday, March 15 at 7 PM at the MIHS PAC
Ron Lieber

"Your Money" columnist for the New York Times and Author of the New York Times and Wall Street Journal Bestseller, "The Opposite of Spoiled - Raising Kids Who Are Grounded, Generous, and Smart About Money"

"From the tooth fairy to tuition, Lieber touches on how parents can and should use money as a valuable tool to teach children life-long lessons about covetous virtues such as patience, prudence, generosity and graciousness. Money is a teaching tool like a musical instrument, Lieber said: "We want them to practice at it; we want them to get good at it."" (Chicago Tribune)
Island Books will sell books in store and at the event for book signing; paperback due out February 23. Go to www.ronlieber.com for more information.

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
__________________________________________________________________________________ 
Special Announcement:
Our friends at Parent Map are offering a special discount on their upcoming lecture series for Mercer Island Parents! Go to Parent Map Lecture Series to see their great line-up and use the code "MIPE16 at check out. Thank you Parent Map!
___________________________________________________________________________________

Parents of Elementary-Aged Children: Save this date!

Liliana Lengua from the UW Center for Child and Family Well-Being, will speak on
"Supporting Elementary-Aged Children Through Change: Promoting Resilient Responses to Life's Stresses."

Wednesday, April 27, 9:30-11:00am, Lakeridge Elementary School.  

Visit www.miparentedge.org for more information on all of these events. 

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

 COUNSELORS   LegandAdv                                                                                                                                         Back to Top 
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.
 CLUBSANDATHLETICS
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.
MIHS Counselors Are In Touch!Counseling
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.

PSAT/NMSQT and practice ACT results, course registrations for 2016-2017, add/drop policy for all students, 2016 advanced placement tests, seventh semester transcripts, financial aid forms, class of 2017 college counseling, and local fairs 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
 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                                     
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

Team O & MI Orchestras grades 7-12 invite you to join us for Disney & Dessert!
Sunday, February 28, 2016
2 pm, MIHS Commons
 
Disney and Dessert is the popular Fundraiser that supports the Orchestra Program GRADES 5-12 and THIS YEAR the performance DISNEYLAND TRIP for HIGH SCHOOL ORCHESTRA STUDENTS.  It's a Disney Concert followed by a dessert buffet fit for the Magic Kingdom.  Wear your Costume!
 
$15 Donation in Advance *  $20 at the Door
Students $5 with ASB card; 5th grade and under free with paying adult
Purchase tickets from Orchestra Students or online at TeamO-MI.org.
Programs in our Community - 
The MIHS PTSA has not reviewed or endorsed these programs.  See above.

YWCA ENVIRONMENTAL SYMPOSIUM
MARCH 25TH, 9:00 A.M-2:00 P.M., AT UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON, MARY GATES HALL
FOR 13-18 YEAR OLDS
The Symposium gathers passionate, motivated student leaders together at the University of Washington to learn about the environmental issues facing our world and how to create a sustainable future for our schools, communities and beyond! Participants will take part in hands-on workshops led by local organizations and designed to educate students about environmental topics as well as give teens the skills they need to address environmental issues in their schools and communities. Youth will be networking with peers and adults and gaining tools to create real, positive change. Lunch will be provided with vegetarian options available. There will also be a free raffle of outdoor and environmental prizes for all in attendance.  Register online, by calling 206-587-6116, or by emailing yesc@seattleymca.org.  The deadline is March 18th.  For further information contact Lexie Fehringer at 206-587-6116.

WASHINGTON STUDENT CYCLING LEAGUE
Ready for something new and exciting? Be a member of the Washington Student Cycling League's Mercer Island Mountain Bike Team serving grades 6 - 12.
This coed composite team is expanding to include grades 9 - 12 and joins our already successful middle school team.  The Team is open to riders of all ability levels from beginner to expert. The season will run from mid-January until the end of May.  Practices will be held twice a week.  Riders get to choose between two weekday practices either Wednesday at 3:00pm or Friday at 3:45pm on Mercer Island and meet in the Mercer Island Country Club parking lot. Weekend team rides will be off island at locations such as Duthie Hill Bike Park on Sunday mornings at 9:45 am. All team members have the option to race in four Washington Student League races against over 18 other Washington state teams.  For more information email mercerisland@washingtonleague.org.  Reserve your space by registering on the Washington Student League website at http://washingtonleague.org.

Host an Italian student and your child will be invited to Italy!
Ergon, an Italian-based organization and partner with NorthWest Student Exchange, is looking for families to host a 16-17-year-old Italian exchange student for a semester or year.  The Italian families are in turn happy to host your child during summer vacations, and we sponsor the flight!

Ergon specializes in a rigorous selection process insuring that students are  responsible, motivated, proficient in English and carefully matches students with host families. They are fully insured and come with pocket money for all expenses, including  recreation activities and vacations.
 
Several of our Italian students have attended Mercer Island, Roosevelt, Garfield, Ballard, Nathan Hale, Skyline and Bothell high schools with excellent experiences for students and families alike. Past and present host families are our best references and will be happy to share their experience with you.

Exchanges offer the opportunity to experience a different culture and build international bridges through friendships and knowledge. We look forward to hearing from you! Please email Jane Gallup at jragallup@comcast.netand visit our website at www.ergon-se.org.
Enjoy the benefits of Hosting an Exchange Student from Italy!

Question

Question of the Week
Q:  We're looking ahead to next year already.  Where can we find the 2016-17 School Calendar?

A.  The MISD published District calendars last month and they can be found here.  Mercer Island High School, together with the rest of the Districts individual schools sit down in April and May to work on the activity, sports and performance schedules for each school to try and coordinate activities, and hopefully, avoid too many conflicts.  It is amazing how many activities take place on any given week in our district!  Athletic schedules, and actives events like homecoming are assigned to us by the KingCo Conference. Once everything is finalized, the dates appear on the District Calendar on the right side of the School and District websites.



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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Mercer Island High School | 9100 SE 42nd Street | Mercer Island | WA | 98040