topPTSA#2.9.50                                                                     March 21, 2016

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MIHS News and Announcements



PTSA News and Announcements

 

 

President's Letter

 

Legislation and Advocacy

Time to email in support of education!



Volunteer Help Needed
MIHS Staff Luncheon March 31st
Liliana Lengua Event April 27th

MIHS Counseling Center News

Counselors are marching into Spring

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calendar
CalendarEvents:*
March/April 2016

March 21 - Self Defense Class, MIHS Gymnastics Room 3:30-5:00

March 23 - Pedro Noguera To Discuss Excellence Through Equity 6:30-8:00 MIHS PAC

March 24 - ASB's talent show 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.

March 30 - Class Elections

April 1 - MIHS Senior Service Blood Drive

April 2 - Mock SAT/ACT 8:30 a.m. -1:00 p.m.

**  Calendar information current as of 3/21/16.  Always check the District calendar for updates.
 
Have a Question about Student Life at MIHS? Maybe the Answer is in the MIHS Student Handbook:

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

Click name to link to email

Adair Dingle            
Ralph Jorgenson, President
                       

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legislation 
From Our PTSA President President
Islander Families,

This Wednesday March 23rd, Our PTSA is honored to be co-hosting nationally renowned professor Dr. Pedro Noguera to discuss Excellence Through Equity  -  6:30 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday in the MIHS Performing Arts Center. Dr. Noguera is a Distinguished Professor of Education in the Graduate School of Education and Information Sciences at UCLA. His research focuses on the ways in which schools are influenced by social and economic conditions, as well as by demographic trends in local, regional and global contexts. This event is free. Read more here......
"We are committed to building and sustaining a school community that values and embraces inclusiveness, equity and awareness in pursuit of the district's 2020 Mission and Vision," said Superintendent Dr. Gary Plano. "We are honored to have Dr. Noguera come to Mercer Island and share with us his vision for educational excellence through equity."
In the late spring of 2014, Dr. Plano launched the Diversity Advisory Committee, comprised of parent and community representatives to advise him on matters of diversity and equity. Recent changes in the demographics of the Mercer Island community show fewer students identified as Caucasian and growing numbers of families from around the world. These changes have encouraged an "adaptive need" to respond to our changing demographics and to the children we serve.

The Diversity Advisory Committee is charged with reviewing the district's continued efforts to provide all students, irrespective of racial and ethnic differences, with access to the following: equity of educational opportunity; individual empowerment; and, equal and fair treatment.
Dr. Noguera appears as a regular commentator on educational issues on CNN, MSNBC, National Public Radio and other national news outlets. He is the author of 11 books, and over 200 articles on topics such as urban reform, education policy, conditions that promote student achievement, the role of education in community development, youth violence, and race and ethnic relations in American society. Prior to joining the faculty at UCLA in 2015 he served as a professor of education at New York University and as executive director of the Metropolitan Center for Research on Equity and the Transformation of Schools.

Dr. Noguera received his bachelors' degree in Sociology and History and masters' degree in Sociology from Brown University, and his doctorate in Sociology from the University of California at Berkeley. He was a classroom teacher in public schools in Providence, R.I. and Oakland, Calif., and continues to work with schools nationally and internationally as a researcher and advisor. 

Have a great week Islanders!


Jayme Witman
witman3@msn.com
206-920-6199
PrincipalPTSAnewsBack to Top 
From Our Principalprinltr
Vicki Puckett
Email Vicki Puckett
Principal's Message March 2016
 
Hello Parents:
 
I cannot believe it is spring. Rain! Rain! Rain! Below are a few items you may be interested in.
 
WIAA 3A Academic Award Winners: Recently, Drill Team clinched the WIAA 3A Academic Award. Congratulations to our Mercer Island Drill Team who was just named the WIAA 3A academic state champion team in their category for the 2015-16 winter sports season.  The Scholastic Awards Program recognizes the team with the highest grade point average among all Washington high schools in various categories. Also, other academic state champions for winter include the following sports and activities categories: band, basketball, bowling, cheer, choir, dance and drill, drama forensics, gymnastics, orchestra, boys swimming and diving, and wrestling.  Here is the link to the WIAA list if you are interested in reading more.  I always tell our students school is their number one job besides family. Our teams are doing a great job of setting good of setting the example for all of our students. We are proud of their efforts and we are proud of their dedication to this community and this school.  Link here
  
Late Start Wednesdays Next Year:  Recently our School Board accepted Dr. Plano's decision to move our school start times on WEDNESDAYS ONLY to 8:45 AM. On Wednesdays, students will get out at 2:50 PM. For more details surf the district website. Teachers will be in required meetings early on Wednesday mornings.
 
Our School's Website: This year we have been updating pictures on our website of school related events and classes doing great learning activities. If you are volunteering with any club or sports team and you have good pictures to send to or Webmaster - Clay Laughary (Math teacher) we would appreciate displaying these pictures on the website. We do not post a lot of pictures but a few would be most welcomed. Also, we do not post pictures that only have one student in them on the website because we want to safeguard against any inappropriate conduct against any individual student.
 
MIHS Summer School Program 2016: Summer school will run from June 28 to August 4. Classes offered on contract are Health, PE, WA State History, Moral Choices (Philosophy), various other Social Studies, English and Math classes, plus some "on-line" classes. Students taking English, Algebra and Geometry as focus or credit retrieval will have class daily i.e. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays. Tuition is $300. Students must attend class/appointments. The catalog and registration materials will be on the website very soon. Questions should be sent to the Director Vicki White Miltun at summerschool@mercerisland schools.org.
  
March 23rd All District Diversity/Equity Community Forum: Parents, Community, and students are invited to attend a special presentation from a nationally recognized speaker on Diversity and Equity issues. The presenter's name is Dr. Pedro Noguera. He is well known around the nation for his talk series on "Excellence Through Equity." He is a distinguished Professor of Education in the Graduate School of Education and Information Sciences at UCLA. The evening community forum will be at 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM in the PAC here at MIHS. Special thanks goes to MISD PTSA Council and the City of Mercer Island for co-hosting this event.
  
Best Regards,
 
Vicki Puckett
Principal

To see previous letters from Principal Vicki Puckett, click here 

PTSANews

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PTSA News and Announcements PTSAawards
Reflections Winners
The Washington State PTA has selected winners from nearly 1,100 submissions to the annual PTA Reflections Contest.  Please congratulate Jessica Waller for winning the category of High School Music Composition, for grades 9-12.  Jessica is a 10th grade student  She received First Place (Outstanding Interpretation) in the statewide competition for her music composition titled Adventure in a Faraway Land.  It is a duet for the French horn and piano.  Jessica is one of only six high school students from Washington State who will advance to the National PTA competition, and the only high school student to receive this honor in the music composition category (other winners were in the categories of literature, visual arts, photography, dance choreography and film). Winners of the National PTA competition will be determined in May, 2016, and awarded an $800 arts education award and a trip to Washington DC to accept the honor. 

A complete list of winners is available here.
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
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.

MIHS STAFF LUNCHEON VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
March 31st
The theme this month is French in recognition of the Eiffel Tower's birthday on March 31st.  The menu is cheese, baguettes, ratatouille, quiche, macaroons, Madeleine cookies and fruit.  A lot of help is still needed.  Please volunteer to bring something or to help the day of the luncheon.  Sign up here.
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 and calendar information
Gender Equality Club Hosts Coed Self-Defense Class March 21st
The Mercer Island High School Gender Equality Club is hosting a self-defense class on Monday, March 21st from 3:30 to 5pm at the High School. The class, taught by David Perkins from the Mercer Island Athletic Club, offers the perfect opportunity for your teen to learn the skills necessary to empower them before they move on to the next stage of their life. This class will be offered on Monday March 21st 3:30-5pm in the High School gymnastics room. Space is limited-first come, first serve. After initial sign-up, you will be contacted regarding the $20 fee--Sign up now using this link!

National Honor Society Applications Now Available 
The application for the National Honor Society is now available.  We've moved to an online application this year, which we hope will be better for everyone.  Application instructions are available here and on the NHS website (www.mercerislandschools.org/nhs).  The application itself is available here and is also linked on the NHS website.  The application deadline is Sunday, March 27 at 11:59PM.  Please contact Julia Seidman with any questions.  

Educational Effectiveness Survey
In a district e-mail entitled MISD Learning and Technology Services Update sent on 2/29 was a link for the Educational Effectiveness Survey (EES).  The school board, superintendent, Administration at the HS, and staff review the data collected on this survey each year.  Please take the time to give your feedback on the EES.  When the survey talks about principal, it includes all four at the HS (Vicki Puckett, Henterson Carlisle, Jamie Prescott, and Mark Jergens-Zmuda).  Thank you for taking the time to respond with your input to this important survey. 
 
High School Video Game Development Afterschool Workshop
In partnership with DigiPen University, the Mercer Island School District will be offering a Video Game Development Workshop for high school students this spring. This workshop is ideal for any student who wants to take an idea for a 2D video game and make it a reality.  Class begins March 21, 3:15 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. and runs for 8 weeks, on Mondays. Cost is $225 per student. There will be no class during Spring Break. Register by March 10 to guarantee a spot.
Click here for more information and to register
 
Drill Team Tryouts!
Are you interested in trying out for Drill Team? MIDT is holding tryouts for next year's 9, 10, 11 and 12th graders on April 19, 20 and 21. Pick up registrations materials and find out everything you need to know about Drill tryouts at the mandatory Parent/Student meeting on Tuesday, March 15 at 5:45pm in the Library.  Questions: Contact coach Debbie Friend at debbie.friend@mercerislandschools.org. We look forward to seeing you there.
MI Fine Arts Showcase - April 5th & 6th, 5:30-9:30 p.m.
 
Sponsored by the Mercer Island Fine Arts Advisory Council and MISD, the Fine Arts Showcase is an annual fundraiser featuring performances by MISD performing arts students as well as artwork displayed by all elementary students and those participating in visual art classes at IMS and MIHS.  For 2 nights, Mercer Island High School is transformed into a beautiful art gallery with demonstrations and performances. Tuesday night is a spotlight on visual arts, with art demonstrations, activities and small ensemble performances, and Wednesday night features concerts by band, orchestra, choir and drama students as well as a special performance by the all 3rd grade choir.  Event is open to the public and tickets start at $10 in advance, good for both nights.  Proceeds benefit fine arts education programs throughout MISD.
 
For more information, visit Mercer Island Fine Art Advisory Council.

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
__________________________________________________________________________________ 
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.

Your help is needed now!

The state legislature is in the final rounds of budget negotiations for this session. If no action is taken, MISD stands to lose significant funding on 1/1/2018 (the so-called levy cliff). MISD supports the extension of the levy lid lift through 2018 to allow it to properly budget for the 2017-2018 school year.  A bill (HB 2698) passed the House but did not make it out of the Senate.  The Senate does have the opportunity to include the Levy Lid Lift funding in the 2016 budget. More information is available here: 


Please take a few minutes now to let Senator Litzow know that this issue is important. Below is a draft email you can copy and send to him. 

Re: Extend the Levy Lid Lift through 2018

Dear Senator Litzow,

Don't let local district's planning for education in 2018 be left up to the uncertainty of state budget negotiations. Encourage your colleagues in the Senate to extend the levy lid lift through 2018 to allow for smooth operations of our schools. 
 
Thank you,
Your name
Your address


Believe it or not, the Washington State Legislative Session is nearly over!  As we move closer to fulfilling the requirements set forth by our Washington State Supreme Court for funding the McCleary decision, we thought it would be a good time to provide a summary document about our School District's funding.  MISD CFO Dean Mack provided our Legislative Team with this document.  


To become even more informed, see our webpage link above.
 CLUBSANDATHLETICS
MIHS Clubs and Athletics Announcements sportsmeeting
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.

High school and beyond plans, summer programs, MIHS summer school, running start, MIHS Presidential Scholar Candidates, college information for Juniors, Juniors SAT-ACT information, and AP exam registration 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
 
Programs in our Community - 
The MIHS PTSA has not reviewed or endorsed these programs.  See above.
THE MERCER ISLAND VISUAL ARTS LEAGUE (MIVAL)
is now accepting applications from Mercer Island High School seniors for 3 scholarship grants of $700 each. Applicants must be entering a university, community college or art institution, with the intention of pursuing an art major or continuing in the visual arts field. Applications are available from Ms. Totten, Mr. Wick or Ms. Mintz or directly from MIVAL at president@MIVAL.org.

Founded in 1961, MIVAL is a member run, non-profit, visual arts organization located on Mercer Island. MIVAL hosts three annual shows (Treasures in Miniature (April), Summer Celebration/Junior Art Show (July) and Holiday Show (November/December)) and operates the MIVAL Gallery located next to the Baskin-Robbins in downtown Mercer Island. MIVAL's scholarships support emerging, committed and deserving high school visual artists who will to continue their art education after high school. MIVAL works closely with the Mercer Island Arts Council. For MIVAL membership and other information see www.MIVAL.org.

EquityPresentation
PEDRO NOGUERA TO DISCUSS EXCELLENCE THROUGH EQUITY
Wednesday, March 23
6:30-8pm
MIHS Performing Arts Center

The Mercer Island School District, the City of Mercer Island and the Mercer Island PTA Council are co-hosting a community discussion with nationally renowned professor and author Dr. Pedro Noguera from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, March 23 in the MIHS Performing Arts Center, 9100 S.E. 42nd St. This is a free event for all members of the community. 
 
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.
 
Mercer Island Youth and Family Services - VOICE Program Registration
VOICE (Volunteer Outreach in Communities Everywhere): Current 8th-11th  graders
 
This summer, MIYFS is offering two summer volunteer opportunities for youth. The middle school SVP program is open to current 6th and 7th grade students, and VOICE is open to current 8th - 11th grade students who would like to participate in volunteer projects throughout the summer.  These programs give Mercer Island students the opportunity to raise their social awareness by working directly with populations in need around the greater Seattle area while volunteering alongside their peers.  SVP and VOICE projects are plentiful and diverse- by participating with the program one might cook a meal at a homeless shelter, tutor a child in need, participate in recreational activities with people with disabilities, build a hiking trail in Snoqualmie, and much more. We are excited to announce we have increased our nonprofit partnerships, and will work with over SIXTY nonprofits this summer!
 
Registration will open at 10:00am on Wednesday, March 16th and will close at 5:00pm on Wednesday, April 27th. See our website www.mercergov.org/voice for more information and to register.
 
The 2016 VOICE/SVP programs will run from June 27 - August 19.
 
For more information contact Tambi Cork, Youth Development Program Coordinator at Mercer Island Youth and Family Services, at 206.275.7755 or tambi.cork@mercergov.org.
  
Mercer Island Boys and Girls Club - Bell Bottom Bash is nearly here!!
The Boys & Girls Club Spring Party is Sat, April 2nd at the Old Boys & Girls Club
There will be a Lava Lounge, International Boxes of Mystery, a super groovy Live Auction, and a Dance Off!
To register please: Click here

Question

Question of the Week
Q: We are trying to plan our August vacation. When is Band Camp?

A: Thanks for planning ahead! Band Leadership Camp is Saturday 8/13- Sunday 8/14, Band Camp is Monday 8/15- Friday 8/19. 

This is one of the few events that has already been set for the 2016-17 school year.  Remaining events are placed on the calendar during the District Calendar meeting in May.  After that time, dates are entered into the calendar online.  We will let you know when that happens.

This event calendar is different than the student calendar which is bargained in advance with school start and end dates, vacations and service days.  Those calendars have been set for 16-17, 17-18, and 18-19 and are located on the District Website under News and Events on the Student Calendar page.


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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