MIHS News – April 18, 2021

4/18/2021 11:09 am

What’s New This Week!

MISD Student Presentations

Listening Session: Underrepresented Voices
Wednesday, April 21 and Wednesday, April 28
6:00-7:30pm

 

Hosted by JUST Students (Justice and Understanding Support Team)

 

All of our students and families matter to us and we are hoping to learn more about the experiences, hopes, and concerns of our underrepresented community members as we learn and grow together as a school community. 

 

As part of this discussion, we would like to invite you to participate in affinity breakout rooms to discuss your experiences and share them with Islander Middle School so we can learn more and serve you and your family better. 

 

We recognize that there is tremendous overlap between these different affinity groups– you can move between them or choose whichever feels like the best fit in the moment.  What matters to you is what matters to us. 

 

An RSVP is not required but can help us in our planning process. 

 

Possible affinity groups:

• Black/African-American
• Asian American/ Pacific Islander
• Latinx/Hispanic
• Mixed Race
• Queer/Trans/Polyamorous
• Disabled
• Non-dominant religions (eg Jewish, Muslim, Sikh, Hindu, etc.) 
• Spanish language
• Mandarin language
• Korean language
• Family member of an underrepresented person (for example, a white parent of a child of color)

Please note: We can provide a translator if requested by Wednesday, April 14.

 

Bias and Microaggressions: Combating everyday racism
Thursday, April 29
7:00-8:00pm

 

Hosted by Education Coalition for Asian American Representation (MIHS club) and JUST Students (IMS club)

 

Join us in a student-led interactive and educational experience about bias, specifically towards Asian Americans. Attendees will learn how to combat bias and participate in open discussions pertaining to students’ everyday experiences. With the recent growth of AAPI targeted hate, it is more important than ever to be aware of bias and to be willing to engage in important conversations about it.

 

Click here for more information

Please RSVP here — you will receive a Zoom link on the day of the event 

Parent Edge Presents – Youth Suicide Prevention for Parents

Tuesday, April 20
7:00-8:30pm

Learn evidence-based prevention strategies to help youth in crisis stay safe and get support. Like first aid and CPR, this valuable knowledge supports healthy families and communities. Visit www.intheforefront.org for more information.

 

FREE EVENT.  For Adults/Parents ONLY!  Brought to you by Mercer Island PTAs.

 

> Please register by 5PM the day prior to the program to receive a Zoom link. Visit miparentedge.org for more information.

MIYFS Healthy Youth Initiative offerings 

Mercer Island Health Youth Initiative would like to offer Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Training at no cost to members of the community. MHFA provides adults with the skills to help someone who is developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis. Click here for more information about the training.

Senior Slideshow – Pictures Needed

Hello Senior parents,

 

I’m Noah Hendelman, ASB President.  We’re in the process of putting together the Senior Slideshow. Thank you to those of you who have already submitted photos of your students.

 

For those who have not yet, there is still time! But you must act quickly! We want to get as many students as possible; please email your photos to noahendelman816@hotmail.com.

 

Please include:

• One elementary school photo of your student
• A current photo of them solo
• A current group photo of them with MIHS friends

Thank you so much for your help with this project. Feel free to email me if you have any questions.

 

Go MI!
Noah

PTSA News and Announcements

Graduate Grams – a Wonderful Mercer Island Tradition!

 

It’s time to order your 5^th grader, 8^th grader or graduating Senior a Grad Gram, a 30-year Mercer Island community tradition!  Each Grad Gram is personalized, printed on parchment paper and mailed on your behalf to the student’s home.  Anyone can order a Grad Gram to send a congratulatory message to their deserving graduates.

 

Proceeds from Grad Grams sales supports the Mercer Island Community Scholarship Program which is run by the MI PTA Council. This annual scholarship program honors graduating MIHS seniors that are identified by MIHS teaching staff.  To raise funds for the scholarships, Grad Grams are sold to the community at large. 

 

Students love receiving these personalized certificates from family and friends. Each Grad Gram is $6 – order yours today!

Now Accepting Applications for the Nancy Schaps Memorial Grant

Since 1996, the Schaps Family has funded grants that recognize a Mercer Island child who has suffered the death of a parent or who is currently experiencing the terminal illness of a parent. The Grant also includes Mercer Island children who have a parent serving on active duty with the military. The Grant award of up to $500 will be given to an elementary, middle, or high school student to be used for an activity or other purpose that will aid a child or youth’s adjustment to this difficult life change. For more information, please visit the Nancy Schaps Memorial Grant via MI PTA Council.

Accepting Nominations for MIHS PTSA Officers – Deadline April 23rd

Nominations are being accepted for the 2021-2022 MIHS PTSA Executive Committee. Do you know someone who would be a great candidate to serve on the MIHS PTSA Executive Committee? Are you interested yourself in serving as an officer?

 

All parents are invited to forward nominations for the following:

• Co-President
• President Elect
• Treasurer
• Secretary
• VP Operations
• VP Advocacy
• VP Outreach

Please email nominations to a member of the MIHS PTSA Nominating Committee: Erin Gurney (egurney@gmail.com), Jola Jensen (jolajensen4@gmail.com), or Sophy Yang (yangsophy@hotmail.com).  The deadline for nominations is April 23.

PTA Council Awards

It’s Time to Recognize Those Amazing Individuals and Organizations That Have Served the Students and Families of MISD!
MI PTA Council Awards Nominations due: Monday, May 3rd

Each year, the Mercer Island PTA Council recognizes outstanding volunteers and educators (including committees, departments, or programs) whose creativity, innovation, dedication, and hard work make a difference for Mercer Island Schools and our students. These awards are meant to reward those individuals or groups who stand out among all of the great volunteers at the local and district level. Awards may be given for outstanding work during this school year or for a person’s continuing dedication and service throughout his or her tenure with the Mercer Island Schools.

 

To nominate an individual or group for a MI PTA Council Award, visit the MI PTA Council Awards webpage. The Awards presented are:

 

1. MI PTA Council Golden Acorn Award: Presented to a volunteer in recognition of his/her dedication and service to children and youth. It is to recognize volunteer service “above and beyond” a particular job description.

2. MI PTA Council Outstanding Service Award: Presented to a volunteer who works for children and youth beyond the bounds of a job, PTA, or a specific school community. This honor goes to a person who has shown concern for all children and who has volunteered his/her time to help them achieve their potential.

3. MI PTA Council Outstanding Educator Award: Recognizes an educator who goes beyond the normal expectations of their jobs to make the learning environment fun, beneficial and challenging.

4. MI PTA Council Outstanding Advocate Award: Recognizes and honors an individual for their advocacy work on behalf of children and youth.

5. MI PTA Council Honorary Life Membership: Recognizes an individual who has contributed significantly to a PTA at the local unit, council, or state level.

6. MI PTA Council Community Partner: Recognizes a local Mercer Island business or organization that goes above and beyond standard expectations to help and facilitate local units — as well as helps build a cooperative relationship between students, schools, and community.

7. MI PTA Council Children’s Advocate Award: Recognizes individuals or programs that go above and beyond the scope of their job or expectations to serve Mercer Island students.

8. MI PTA Council Outstanding Program: Honors a program designed and implemented to serve the school community or community at large.

MI PTA Council Award nominations are due by Monday, May 3rd.

Community Service Awards

The MIHS Community Service Awards Program is organized by the MIHS Counseling Center in partnership with the MIHS PTSA. This is an award that any Senior or Junior may apply for and it’s based on community service hours performed throughout the student’s high school career beginning the first day of 9th grade.  Community service hours are voluntary and NOT a requirement to graduate from MIHS. Seniors who submit volunteer hours and are eligible for an award will be recognized with a Community Service pin.  Juniors eligible for an award will be placed on a list for recognition next year when those students are Seniors.

 

Freshmen and Sophomores can accumulate and keep records of their volunteer hours but should not submit until their Junior or Senior year. 

 

Please note: due to the impact of the pandemic, adjustments are being made to the award levels to account for the fact that volunteer opportunities have been limited.

• Gold level – 195 hours
• Silver level – 135 hours
• Bronze level – 90 hours

More information is available on the MIHS PTSA website.  Detailed instructions and the timesheet used to submit hours can be found on the Counseling Department webpage here.  Seniors are encouraged to submit their volunteer hours by April 30.

Presidents Letter

Dear MIHS Families,

 

Tomorrow marks the return of the final group of MISD students to in-person hybrid learning. Welcome back group A 10/11th graders!

 

Do you know a kindergartner, 5^th grader, 8^th grader, or graduating senior?  A fantastic way to celebrate them is to send them a Grad Gram!  Grad Grams are a 30-year tradition on Mercer Island, with all proceeds supporting theMercer Island Community Scholarship for MIHS graduating seniors. Each Grad Gram is personalized, printed on parchment paper and mailed on your behalf to the graduate’s home.  Anyone can order a Grad Gram to send congratulatory messages to their deserving graduates. Students love receiving these personalized certificates from family and friends.  Each Grad Gram is $6 – order yours today! 

 

Shout outs for this week:  Congratulations to boys golf for winning King Co!  The winter sports season began April 5th.  Boys and girls basketball are both off to a strong start with 2 wins!  Boys basketball’s next game is vs Newport on Tuesday, April 20, and girls basketball plays Newport on Wednesday, April 21.  Boys swim and dive kicks off their season against Bellevue on Tuesday, April 27.  

 

Our Senior Appreciation Committee procured and handed out treats for our seniors on Cap and Gown distribution day. A big thank you to Liz Evans, Elaine Kierstead, Ivy Suzuki-Jaecks, and Karen Schmid for making this happen

 

The MIHS Community Service Awards Program is organized by the MIHS Counseling Center in partnership with the MIHS PTSA. This is an award that any Senior or Junior may apply for and it’s based on community service hours performed throughout the student’s high school career beginning the first day of 9th grade. Community service hours are voluntary and NOT a requirement to graduate from MIHS.

 

Please note: due to the impact of the pandemic, adjustments are being made to the award levels to account for the fact that volunteer opportunities have been limited.

 

Gold level – 195 hours
Silver level – 135 hours
Bronze level – 90 hours

 

Detailed instructions and the timesheet used to submit hours can be found HERE. 

 

Don’t forget to sign up for the MI Schools Foundation’s first annual “Spring For Schools” showcase and auction on Sunday, April 25 at 7:00pm!  Enjoy this fun-filled family event in the comfort of your own home and learn about the amazing things happening in our schools this year.  More information and registration can be found HERE.

 

Go Islanders!

Debbie Burke & Stacy Nakata
MIHS PTSA Co-Presidents
president@mihsptsa.org 

 

MIHS News

Schedule this Week

This week is the Hybrid Learning Schedule.

Mercer Trade Inc. Online Store

Hi Islanders! As we safely return to school, Mercer Trade Inc, a senior run company through MIHS has created two products that are a must have! Buy one of our spirited MI hand sanitizers that can connect to your child’s backpack, or a Mercer Island notepad perfect for on the go notes, grocery lists, or just about anything. Check it out yourself and purchase these products at https://www.mercertrade.com/ 

Mercer Trade Group Inc – Back on Campus Videos

Following Coronavirus Guidelines at MIHS to Keep Everyone Safe

 

 

A Day in the Life of an MIHS Hybrid Learning Student

 

 

  

Grab and Go Meals

Grab and Go Meal pick up sites are back outside. 

 

Islander Middle School pick-up site is located outside of the main office entrance. This is a walk up site. Mercer Island High School pick-up site is located at the west driveway entrance of the school, between the grass field and the building. This is a drive-through location but walk ups are also welcome!

 

Grab & Go Meals, provided by the MISD Food Services department, offer lunch for all children 1-18 and breakfast for the next day. Two locations are available for pick-up between 11:30am-1:00pm Monday through Friday. Meals are provided at no cost, thanks to a USDA nationwide waiver. 

 

Please complete this form to pre-order meals for your student(s). This form needs to be submitted by 9 a.m. the day of pick up.

Pick Up Times and Locations:

 

Mercer Island High School
9100 SE 42nd St.
Pick Up: 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

 

Islander Middle School
7447 84th Ave S.E.
Pick Up: 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

 

Check out the school district’s Food Services webpage for more information.

 

 

Community Opportunities*

First Annual MISF Spring for Schools Showcase & Auction

Sunday, April 25, 2021 | 7pm
Cozy up in your fancy sweatpants, get comfy on your couch, and join our host, KING5 TV news anchor and MIHS alumnus Steve Bunin, for an exciting evening unlike anything the Mercer Island Schools Foundation has done before! The event will be streamed LIVE to you in your own home. This fun-filled program will highlight the amazing things happening in our schools this year, and demonstrate how your gifts to the MI Schools Foundation make a significant impact!

 

This is a FAMILY EVENT, and admission is FREE! Everyone is invited… students, teachers, parents, grandparents, and community members!

 

The Auction portion of the event will open a week prior to the Showcase on April 19^th. You’ll be able to bid on many fabulous auction packages, including vacations and dinners, and also some very special items only available from our Mercer Island schools.

 

Please register in advance for the event and auction, or click get more information.

KCLS Presents – College Application Series in Mandarin

King County Library is hosting three programs for Mandarin-speaking families to help prepare for the college application process. The first event is for students in 7^th-10^th grade and their parents; the second two programs are directed at students in 10^th and 11^th grade and their parents.  The programs will be presented in Mandarin with slides in English. 

 

All three parts of the series, March 31, April 21, and May 26 – College Application Series in Mandarin  (click into each event for more info and registration) 

 

You can click into any of the events and find out more about the presenter. Please register to get a Zoom link.

• Wednesday, April 21, 7:30pm – Introduction to College Applications and Financial Aid  (for students grades 10-11 with parents) 
• Wednesday, May 26, 7:30pm – Grades, Test Scores, Essays, Activities – What Really Matters in a College Application  (for students grades 10-11 with parents 

$5,000 Stanley Ann Dunham Scholarship 

The Stanley Ann Dunham Scholarship honors the life and work of Dr. Dunham, a 1960 graduate of Mercer Island High School and the mother of President Barack Obama. Scholarships will be awarded this spring to female-identifying seniors from Mercer Island High School and Rainier Beach High School. If you’re in good academic standing and have demonstrated leadership in social justice and community issues please apply! Financial need will also be considered. Application deadline is April 18^th, 2021. To apply for the scholarship, please click here.

 

If you have questions or need help with the application, please contact Edna Bravo Sawyer at ESawyer@starbucks.com. Don’t miss this opportunity!

Ergon Student Exchange

Host an Italian exchange student and give your child a friend to share life with

 

“I am grateful that our family had Giacomo here during this pandemic. He has brought us joy, fun, and laughter.” (Fawn, former host mother)

 

Hosting an exchange student can be an enriching experience for your family, even during remote learning. And now there are reasons for hope, with mass vaccination speeding up in the United States. Beatrice, Cecilia, Sofia, Marco, Ludovica, Matteo, Jacopo… share this hope and look forward to their dream coming true of their exchange in the United States and experience living with an American family for a semester or full year. They are strongly motivated, responsible, respectful students, and carry a $2 million insurance covering Covid-related expenses. They are all tested for Covid before departure. 

 

Ergon devotes great care to selecting students and matching them with host families. Many of our MI families share lasting friendships with their students. Click here to read a testimonial from Mercer Island mom Jayme Witman.

 

In the summer of 2022, the Italian family will offer your child a direct exposure to Italian culture through an all-expenses paid vacation. Ergon sponsors the flight! 

 

To learn more, visit www.ergon-se.org and e-mail  info@ergon-se.org. Thank you!

MIYFS Newsletter Relaunched

MIYFS has relaunched its newsletter; it will continue as the MIYFS Monthlyin 2021. You can find great community information and resources in this newsletter. Click here for the initial newsletter and to sign up for the monthly email.

 

 

*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.

 

For additional news, please click on What’s New on our website, where you can scroll through all of our news posts.