MIHS PTSA News - December 10, 2023

12/5/2023 7:04 am

PTSA NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

Support the MIYFS Mental Health Counselors!

Since the first day of school, the MIYFS mental health counselors in each of our Mercer Island schools have been reaching out and working with each and every student. YFS counselors work with students, families, and school staff to support mental and behavioral health and readiness to learn. Counseling offered directly in the schools helps students and parents build a strong foundation for the future. We encourage students and parents to reach out to get to know your child’s YFS school counselor.
Maintaining this invaluable resource in all of our schools depends on the support of the Mercer Island community. Over 30% of school counselor funding is dependent on donations by Islanders.

Donate today or learn more about the school-based mental health counseling program and find the contact information for your child’s school.

Help Stock the Staff Mini Kitchen

As we start a new school year, please help the PTSA stock the mini kitchen in the high school staff lounge. The mini kitchen is a place where teachers can grab a quick snack for a little extra energy boost. It's one way we keep them encouraged and show our appreciation. Items purchased off of this wishlist will ship directly to the school. Your support is greatly appreciated! Purchase items here.

Information for MIHS Seniors and Senior Families

Yearbook Portraits Due Dec. 15th

Custom senior portraits for the yearbook are OPTIONAL. The MIHS yearbook staff will use school ID images if they do not receive a senior portrait submission from you. Instructions are located here. Email mihsportrait@gmail.com with questions.

Yearbook Grad Ad Submissions Due Jan. 12th

Grad Ads are an optional way for families to add personal pictures and reflections about students in the class of 2024. Ads can include one child, a group of kids, a team, a club, or any collection of students to celebrate graduation from MIHS. Grad Ad Instructions are located here. Contact mihsyearbook2024@gmail.com with questions.

Remember you can also check the Seniors tab on the PTSA website for more information.

Mock SAT/ACT Tests

MIHS PTSA provides testing opportunities as a chance to practice a real test, become familiar with a testing environment, and help identify which testing platform is best for each individual student. All this in a 'Mock' situation where tests are to recorded or submitted to any high school or college organization. This is a perfect chance to 'try out' these tests. Learn more about the Mock SAT/ACT tests offered by the PTSA.

MIHS News

MIHS Financial Aid Week

6 days of Financial Aid tips and actions to help MIHS families for post secondary funding.

Update: “Prospective Student Night” is on January 25, 2024 at MIHS

Please share the date with any families that are moving to the island, or residents considering transferring to MIHS from independent schools.

MISD Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy Workgroup

The Mercer Island School District is forming a workgroup to help guide and develop an initial AI policy and/or procedures for our school district. We are looking for parents to participate in this process. You do not need to be an early adopter or tech expert to participate in the workgroup, we want to ensure that we have diverse viewpoints represented.

Framework and Timeline for the process

To express interest in participating in the focus group, please complete the interest survey.

Mercer Island High School ASB Fundraiser

Donations are deposited directly to the district's bank account. There are no additional fundraising costs in addition to the normal credit card transaction fees of approximately 3%. We estimate 97% of your donation will go directly to the activity. You have the security your donation is managed by school district operating under strict financial and technology controls. Money will support the entire student body. Anyone can use them. Click here to donate.

Daily Schedules

Get the 2023/24 Daily Block Schedule here.

Principal's Updates

Read the Principal Newsletters here.

MIHS Counseling

Get the MIHS Counseling Newsletters here.

Community News

Teen Winter Break Day Camp 2023

Check out these great events happening at the Boys and Girls Club of Mercer Island.

Summer J Camp Now Hiring

J Camp counselors work in teams to create meaningful, fun, and safe experiences for kids. Together with dozens of your peers, you will develop leadership and problem-solving skills; learn how to empower, motivate, and coach others; and have a fabulous summer! Click here for more info.

UW-Winter ‘24 Unique Afterschool Enrichment Opportunities Online

The University of Washington’s Youth & Teen Programs offers enrichment opportunities during the school year. Limited financial aid available. To learn more visit UW Youth & Teen Programs.

MI Heathy Youth Initiatives Fall 2023 community programs now being offered. We are excited to offer a series of no-fee programs for MI parents and caregivers, for more information click here.

Rotary Youth Exchange Program is a short term summer exchange between families, facilitated by Rotary Clubs at each end of the exchange. Click here for more info.

AI + X: Interdisciplinary Artificial Intelligence Fall Program by Stanford/MIT Alumni
Inspirit AI Scholars equips middle and high school students with an AI toolkit to build a capstone project, AI + X, that draws on students' unique interests, from sustainability improvements to cancer diagnosis to criminal justice reform and more. No coding experience required, and advanced cohorts are available. For more information please read more here. Fall applications are now open and due September 15. Contact program coordinator Jared at jared.greene@post.harvard.edu with any questions.

BridgeWhiz is a FREE online course designed to teach students in grades 4 through 12 the mind-building challenge, great fun, and competitive excitement of contract bridge, which will nurture your child’s team and individual competitive spirit. Build social skills. And enhance deductive reasoning and math abilities.