MIHS PTSA News - February 5, 2023

2/3/2023 8:35 pm

WHATS NEW!

Culture Week at MIHS, February 7 to 12th

Presented by the MIHS Black Student Union and Student Voices for Change.  click here to see the full list of activities planned.

 

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.

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. 

ECAAR Night Market

Sunday, February 12th, 3pm - 8pm, MIHS Commons

A Taiwanese-inspired multi-cultural night market with food sold by local Asian-owned businesses, entertainment, merchandise, games, and more! Presented by students in the Education Coalition for Asian American Representation (ECAAR) at Mercer Island High School.

The night market is free to attend. Vendors can accept payment at their discretion, but we highly recommend bringing cash.  ECAAR game and merchandise booths can accept digital payments through our donation link. 

 

Click here to get information on vendors and more!

PTSA NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS

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.

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. 

 

Senior Grad Ads

Submissions deadline for grad ads is Feb 17, 2023 - more info here 

 

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.

1. Add your name to our Google list for more information and specific instructions on how to order.
2. Project Repat will use this list to identify MIHS parent orders for our Class 2023 Senior Activities fundraiser.
3. Start collecting your senior's t-shirts and jerseys!
4. Follow instructions provided by Project Repat to place your order.
5. Respond to Project Repat information emails with any questions you might have on creating your quilt. 

MIHS NEWS

MIHS Schedules

MIHS Black History Morning Assembly Feb 6 to 10 here 

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 

January Newsletter

 

MIHS Drama Presents: And a Child Shall Lead by Michael Slade.

Based on the true story of a group of children trapped in Terezin, the "Jewish city" the Nazis created as a stopping place before Auschwitz and other death camps, And a Child Shall Lead, by Michael Slade, is a story of strength, fear, hope, resilience, and human connection. Though these children are fighting to survive, they find sources of hope and beauty to keep them alive, even at the risk of being caught and killed. The text of the found poems are intertwined throughout the play.
We will be hosting a talk-back with representatives from the Anti-Defamation League after the performance on February 2nd and 9th. There is no late seating.  Due to the heavy subject matter, we recommend this show for audiences 12 and older. 

Please purchase tickets in advance here.  Student tickets $10, adult tickets $15.  Click here for date and cast information.

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 :

• Prevention tips for every age
• Data and facts about the risks of youth substance use
• Tools and resources
• Tips for having difficult conversations with teens

 

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.