MIHS PTSA News - January 1, 2024

1/1/2024 12:21 pm

PTSA NEWS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS      

Save the date: Award-Winning Author Georgia Hunter to Visit MISD on Jan. 9!

On Tuesday, January 9 at 6:30-8:30pm we are thrilled to welcome author Georgia Hunter to the Islander Middle School library to speak to the MISD parent community about her New York Times Bestseller, We Were the Lucky Ones. Recently adapted and soon-to-be-released as a Hulu series starring Joey King, We Were the Lucky Ones is a true and riveting story of enduring love, hope and resilience. WWTLO follows the harrowing journey of Ms. Hunter’s Jewish ancestors as they manage to survive the Holocaust and eventually find their way back to each other. Ms. Hunter will be joined by MIHS’s Holocaust Education Committee students to share about their connection to the Holocaust and how modern displays of antisemitism, including those they have experienced, have impacted them. Don’t miss this amazing opportunity to listen, connect and share on a topic that continues to hold tremendous meaning to our Mercer Island community. Middle school and high school students are welcome to join their parents for this special event. Hope to see you there!  

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 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     

Save the date: MIHS hosting Future Islander Night on January 25

Future Islander Night is a chance for parents of current Islander Middle School students and other high school age students and families living on Mercer Island but not enrolled in MISD to visit the high school to learn about classes, curriculum, programs, school groups, and athletics. Click here for more info.

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. 

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 

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 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.