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** Calendar information current as of 2/28/16. Always check the District calendar for updates.
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Have a Question about Student Life at MIHS? Maybe the Answer is in the MIHS Student Handbook:
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MIHS Student Handbook
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PTSA 2015-2016 Executive Committee
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Parent Advisory Committee
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Freshman Class of 2019
Sophomore Class of 2018
Junior Class of 2017
Senior Class of 2016
MISD Advisory Council Rep
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MISD Board of Directors
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Submit an Article
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To submit an article for review for our next issue:
mihsnewsletter@hotmail.com
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| From Our PTSA President | |
Can you believe we only have 6 weeks until Spring Break? There is a lot happening between now and then. Please bookmark the MIHS Daily Bulletin as well as the District Calendar page. You need to stay current on everything happening.
A few important dates are around the corner.
- Today, Monday February 29th, is the first day of Spring sports. It's not too late for your student to sign up for a spring sport. Go to the school website and look at the Popular Links on the left hand scroll bar. Click on ATHLETICS and read about the array of spring sports, including sports for all levels of play. Registration information can be obtained through that link or our school Athletic Department. Another "not to be missed event" is the Spring Sports Assembly on March 7th. Details follow.
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Monday March 7th at 6:00pm. Our Athletic Director, Mark Jergens-Zmuda, has been including some incredible guest speakers as part of this event. Spring will have a speaker to talk about stress, anxiety, and the student/athlete. Directly following, all spring sports will have break out groups with their respective coaches.
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Saturday March 12th, 2-4:00pm. Do you know about the biggest epidemic on college campuses today? The Hunting Ground. See this newsletter for more information.
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Monday March 14th is NO SCHOOL, district wide. It was scheduled as a Snow Make- Up Day.
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Wednesday March 15 our parent Education team is hosting a special guest speaker Ron Lieberman, The Opposite of Spoiled. Please refer to this newsletter for more details on this fantastic presentation.
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Thursday March 17-19 is our International Festival. MIHS is the only high school in our Region to host foreign exchange students from our area. This is an incredible opportunity for our Islander families to welcome a foreign exchange student for a few days, while providing a fabulous opportunity for these students to see what it's like being an Islander. Please read more about it in this newsletter.
Lots going on at MIHS! Go Islanders.....
Jayme Witman
witman3@msn.com
206-920-6199
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From Our Principal
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Hello Parents:
We finished 1st semester and all is well.
Diversity Action Team (DAT) Update: This year Mercer Island School District developed school-based Diversity Action Teams (DAT) tasked with creating and promoting diversity, equity and inclusion within each building's school community. MIHS's work around diversity is not new this year. In fact, we began this work in 2014-2015 with students and staff. Last spring administration worked with approximately 10 students to better understand their experience as a student. We also had training with the staff around the topic of diversity an its implications to their work with students.
Our 2015-16 school year DAT is made up of staff, students and parents. We have 5 teachers, 2 counselors, 2 classified staff, 2 parents, and 2 administrators on the team. Our work this year has consisted of developing a shared understanding of diversity, equity and inclusion as it relates to our school community. Our next steps are to fully engage staff and students around what equity and inclusiveness looks like at MIHS. Please know this work is a lengthy journey of awareness, planning and action and not a one-year initiative. We at MIHS value diversity and respect our similarities and differences and that is what makes this work very important to us all. Soon we will have on our school website details about this school improvement goal (SIP) on diversity.
The Hunting Ground Video Presentation: A small group of parents have been working on a presentation for parents about a video that is out called The Hunting Ground. This special presentation will be on Saturday, March 12th in the PAC at MIHS from 4:00 - 6:00 PM. This powerful presentation and video is about college campus sexual assault experiences. The hope we have is to encourage you to come and to bring your student to the presentation to learn more about how to safeguard against this kind of behavior that could happen to anyone.
Registration For 2016-17 School Year Ends Monday, February 29th: Online registration for freshmen, sophomores and juniors began the week of Feb. 8-12 and will end on Monday, February 29th. Counselors have visited with your student in class to explain the process. Your student will have the opportunity to begin planning for classes he/she wishes to take next year. It is vitally important that your student chooses wisely because we plan the master schedule of courses around students' needs and interest. Please look on the Counseling web page for news for details.
Emergency School Closure Information:The majority of the winter may be behind us, but bad storms are still a possibility. If you haven't done so, please 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.
How to Register for Flash Alert: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.
Looking forward to a new semester with renewal for your students in classes.
Best Regards,
Vicki Puckett
Principal
To see previous letters from Principal Vicki Puckett, click here
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PTSA News and Announcements | |
Can you say THANK YOU?
We often say the phrase "it takes a village", but at MIHS, that statement is very true. Loads of fantastic parents volunteer hours of time to help make MIHS great! A huge Thank You to he following parents for all you do to make our school great. We couldn't do it without you!
- Betsy O'Connell has been chairing our Staff Appreciation lunches this year. What an amazing endeavor! Our staff and teachers are so appreciative. Bon Appetit!
- Deborah Apodaca has been keeping our students happy with our Student Appreciation events. She certainly knows how to serve up delicious treats that all the students look forward to. Bring on the cupcakes and fun decorations! - Nannette Bassette continues to manage the directory distribution. If there is a school directory missing, she is the FBI of Directories. Your follow up is amazing! - Tracy Dubofsky single handedly took on a new presentation for the Reflections ceremony. What a fantastic venue and evening. A great way to celebrate our very talented students. Your Rock Tracy! - Amy Sagerson took on "gussying up" our school and staff bulletin boards. Lots of time and creativity goes in to making those boards look amazing, and Amy did a fantastic job! - Mary Kay Woolston and Margo Mansfield have the very important job of editing and reporting our weekly newsletter. What a fantastic job they do for all of us! We sincerely Thank You for all you do for MIHS!
 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?
- Check your student's backpack.
- Have your student ask for it from his/her BRIDGES Teacher. All school directories were distributed to BRIDGES teachers early in November.
- 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
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Parent Volunteers Needed!
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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.
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Mock SAT (Revised version) Practice Test Registration
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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.
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MIHS News (including Senior Info)
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Check the MIHS website for the latest announcements, calendar information, and links to:
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.
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
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)
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MERCER ISLAND PARENT EDGE PRESENTS
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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
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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.
MI Parent Edge is jointly sponsored by the PTA's of Lakeridge, Island Park, West Mercer, Islander Middle, and MIHS schools and MIPA.
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Legislation and Advocacy
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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. |
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MIHS Clubs and Athletics Announcements | |
Spring Sports - Tryouts/Turnouts start today:
(By start time)
Track 3:10pm Wrestling Rm
Girls Golf 3:10pm Meet van at flagpole
Girls Tennis Tryouts 3:15pm MIHS Tennis Courts
for Var/JV1/C
Badminton 3:30pm Main Gym
Boys Soccer Tryouts 3:30pm Stadium Field
for Var/JV/C
Boys Lacrosse for all 3:30pm Upper North Field
except those going to
8:00 pm practice
Girls Water Polo Tryouts 3:30pm Mary Wayte Pool
for Var/JV
Softball 3:45pm South Mercer Field #1
Baseball Tryouts for 4:00pm Island Crest Park
Var/JV
Girls Lacrosse Tryouts 6:00pm Stadium Field
for Var/JV
Boys Lacrosse for 8:00pm Stadium Field
returning Varsity
Spring Sports Meeting - Next Monday, March 7
Please join Athletic Director Mark Jergens-Zmuda for the spring Sports meeting! Mr. Jergens-Zmuda has a wonderful guest speaker planned that will talk about stress and anxiety in the student athlete. It will be a great presentation for both athletes and students. Immediately following the presentation, there will be break out sessions in various classrooms for each of the sports and coaches. The meeting is Monday, March 7th at 6:00 p.m. in the MIHS PAC.
March 6th is Opening Day/Jordan Morris Day for the Sounders FC
Watch MIHS Alum Jordan Morris makes his professional debut with the Sounders FC. For tickets, Mercer Island High School Promo Code, and additional information click here.
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.
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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.
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
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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.
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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
Programs in our Community -
The MIHS PTSA has not reviewed or endorsed these programs. See above.
MERCER ISLAND FC's SPRING SOCCER ACADEMY AND GET READY FOR SELECT TRAINING CLINICS
now open for registration. Click this link for information on the training clinics and how to register. Questions? Email miysc.registrar@live.com.
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!
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Question of the Week
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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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