MIHS PTSA News - February 26, 2023

2/26/2023 3:35 pm

WHATS NEW! 

 

Thank You to Ijeoma Oluo

Much gratitude to Mercer Island High School's Black Student Union who arranged for Ijeoma Oluo to speak at a school wide assembly on February 10th in honor of Black History Month. Her presence and her message were so powerful and much needed. Thank you to the Mercer Island Schools Foundation and the MIHS PTSA for their generosity in funding this incredible opportunity for all our students and staff!  Read more about it here.

PTSA NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

Parent Edge and MIYFS Presents: The Self Driven Child

March 8 | 7:00 PM, MIHS PAC, PTSA Members: Free, Non-Members: $10

For Middle and High School Parents

 

Co-authors Stixrud and Johnson provide research-based advice about how to help children and teens become more resilient, balanced, and motivated for learning. Today's children and teens face common stressors such as the pressure to succeed, social media, demanding homework, and lack of sleep. Dr. Stixrud and Johnson share that the 'best antidote' to stress is to give children more control over their lives.

 

The Self-Driven Child offers a combination of cutting-edge brain science, the latest discoveries in behavioral therapy, and case studies drawn from the thousands of kids Stixrud and Johnson have helped over the years. What Do You Say takes lessons from The Self-Driven Child and teaches us what to say and how to put the information into action.  Get tickets here.

Staff Appreciation

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.

Are you interested in getting involved in the Mercer Island PTA Council?

The Mercer Island PTA Council is an umbrella organization for all of the PTAs in the MI School District. The mission of the MI PTA Council is to serve as a resource to unit PTAs, families, and community members within the Mercer Island School District – and to advocate for the health, well-being, inclusion, and education of every child.  We would like to invite all MISD parents to consider the various leadership opportunities available within the MI PTA Council! The Nominating Committee is now taking nominations for the following 2023-2024 PTA Council positions:

President, Vice President/President-Elect, Secretary, Treasurer, VP of Advocacy, VP of Communications, 
VP of Diversity Equity and Inclusion, VP of Programs

If you or someone you know is interested in serving in one of the above positions or have questions, please submit your nomination by emailing the PTA Council Nominating Committee members at nominate@miptacouncil.org by March 10, 2023.

Mock SAT/ACT Tests

MIHS PTSA provides 6 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 not 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. 

Create a T-Shirt Memory Quilt and Support Class 2023 Senior Activities

Project Repat is partnering with the MIHS Class 2023 Senior Activities Committee to help parents preserve their kids t-shirt memories and help raise funds for the production of Class 2023 Senior Party. Project Repat is the most trusted source for t-shirt quilts since 2012, all quilts are made in North Carolina. It is a great way to keep shirts out of landfills, support US jobs, and create a long-lasting unique graduation gift.

Community Service Awards Program

To all seniors who have volunteered extensively in various community service projects throughout their high school career, remember April 30th is the deadline to submit your timesheet and service hours verification to receive the Community Service award pin in time for graduation. The MIHS counseling department, in partnership with the PTSA recognizes graduating seniors who have contributed at minimum 90 hours of community service with an award pin.

Timesheet and instructions can be found on the counseling department website. Please submit verification and timesheet to communityservice@mihsptsa.org by April 30th to ensure timely receipt of your award pin. 

MIHS NEWS

MIHS Schedules

Get the 2022/23 Schedules here.

Principal’s Updates

To read the Principal Newsletters: this link will take you to the MIHS website, scroll down and click on Principle's Message. or click here

MIHS Counseling 

Get the MIHS Counseling Newsletters here.

Mercer Island Orchestra Presents: Disney & Dessert

March 5 | 1:30pm, MIHS Commons, Free
Join us in your favorite Disney attire and prepare to be transported for a magical afternoon of music and celebration.  Enjoy coffee and light dessert, participate in our silent auction of wonderfully curated items and snap a photo with Mickey Mouse!  

 

MIHS Students Building Robot For Competition

The MIHS Robotics Club is embarking on an exciting journey as they begin the process of building a robot to participate in the annual international FIRST Robotics Competition.  The robot that the team is building will weigh approximately 100 pounds and will be required to perform a variety of tasks. The hard work and dedication of the team members will be on display on March 18th at Bonney Lake High School and March 25th at Sammamish High School when the team competes against other teams from the area.

The club invites you to follow their progress and attend the competitions. MIHS Robotics Club website and social media account:https://www.team5937.org/ and https://www.instagram.com/mirobotics5937

COMMUNITY NEWS  

UW Youth & Teen Programs

- Writers Workshop: A great opportunity for passionate young writers to strengthen their skills writing in a variety of genres.
- Writing Fantasy & Sci-Fi: Enhance fiction writing skills in this introductory course.

* Registration closes February 28
To learn more visit us online at Spring 2023 Afterschool Programs! 

Calling All MISD Artists! 

The Mercer Island Schools Foundation invites all students currently in the Mercer Island School District to participate in the MISF Spring for Schools art contest. The first place submission will serve as the front cover of the Breakfast of Champions program.  The top three winners chosen will be showcased at the Mercer Island Schools Foundation Breakfast of Champions.  Submission deadline is March 6, 2023.  All art work must fit on a 8.5 x 11 piece of paper and be submitted to the MISF Office 4160 86th Ave SE, Mercer Island, WA, 98040. Questions, please call 206-275-2550

MI Rotary 2023 High School Scholarship Awards - Open for Applications Now!

As part of our continued community outreach and service, Mercer Island Rotary wishes to support our Mercer Island students who have shown the potential to thrive and excel in an environment that allows for diversity, ability, commitment, and challenge. We, as members of Mercer Island Rotary, will award a scholarship in the amount of $10,000 to a deserving Mercer Island student. The recipient will be a high school senior who currently resides on Mercer Island and attends any local high school or lives off-island and attends Mercer Island High School. The goal of the award is to contribute towards an accredited post high school educational or career training opportunity.

Applications Open: January 23, 2023

Applications Due: March 22, 2023  Scholarship Awarded: April 26, 2023

Click here to go to the MI Rotary site and access the MI Rotary High School Scholarship Award Application

Mercer Island Healthy Youth Initiative

Did you know…Parents are the #1 Influence?

Over 80% of young people ages 10–18 say their parents are the leading influence on their decision whether to drink or use drugs.

 

While most Island youth do not consume alcohol, cannabis, or misuse prescription medication in a typical month, it is important for all parents to understand their crucial role in prevention. Parents make a huge difference when they talk with their kids early and often about the implications of substance use and the importance of staying alcohol and drug free.

 

The goal of the Mercer Island Healthy Youth Initiative is to successfully launch every Mercer Island youth into adulthood with a foundation of physical and mental health, well-prepared to cope with the academic, social, and emotional challenges of adulthood.  We are here to provide Mercer Island parents with tools and resources to support your child’s success.  To learn about Prevention Basics, visit www.mihealthyyouth.com.

 

If you have questions email HealthyYouth@mercerisland.gov.  If you or your child needs support, contact a MIYFS school-based counselor or call the MIYFS confidential intake line at (206) 275-7657.

MI Climate Challenge

In April 2022, on Earth Day, the City launched the MI Climate Challenge.  MI Climate Challenge is an online platform that offers a free roadmap for Islanders to reduce their energy use and carbon footprint, and to live healthier, more sustainable lives. There are over 100 ideas (some very simple and easy) to help the climate, save money, and improve emergency preparedness. Participants can even collaborate with friends and neighbors to form teams and then compete informally against others!  Close to 100 MI households have signed up already!   Sign up today by visiting www.mercerisland.gov/ClimateChallenge.