MIHS PTSA News January 15, 2023

1/14/2023 7:54 pm

WHATS NEW!

Mercer Island School District Webinar: Understanding MISD Finances and Moving Forward Together
Fred Rundle, Superintendent, Matt Sullivan, Executive VP of Finance
Thursday, January 19 | 5-6pm via Zoom

You may have heard about the current fiscal challenges facing the District. From the pandemic to state legislation, several key factors have directly impacted MISD’s finances. We are strongly requesting parents tune in to attend this extremely important webinar that will bring you up to date on the district’s new, upcoming budget cuts and the effects this will have on students and staff.

 

This webinar is a unique opportunity to hear directly from Superintendent Fred Rundle and MISD Executive VP of Finance Matt Sullivan. In an effort to foster greater understanding and transparency throughout the Mercer Island community, Fred and Matt will present the financial “lay of the land” as well as a path forward.

 

Tune into the webinar to learn more about:

• Budget 101
• MISD funding sources
• Impact of WA state legislation on District finances
• Current financial challenges facing MISD
• How do these financial challenges impact my family?
• What's the go-forward plan?
• What can I do?

The webinar will be recorded and available for later viewing on the District YouTube channel. MISD will also link to the video from their website and social media platforms.

 

We strongly encourage you to tune in to this informative session with our District. It will be a helpful, insightful presentation and well worth your time!

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.

Volunteers Needed for MIHS Curriculum Night

MIHS is looking for volunteers to help welcome the 8th Grade families and assist them during Curriculum Night on Thursday 19th January between 6pm and 8pm.  If you are able to help out with a friendly face and smile please click here to sign up.

MIHS Drama Presents: And A Child Shall Lead

Please join the Drama department in their winter play, opening in February. Evening performances run February 2nd-4th and 9th-11th at 7pm. Matinee performances run February 4th and 11th at 2pm. 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.  Click here for info.

 

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. 

MIHS NEWS

MIHS Schedules

January 2023 Finals Week Schedule

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.

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
Thursday, February 2nd at 7pm: Cast Butterflies
Friday, February 3rd at 7pm: Cast Wildflowers
Saturday, February 4th at 2pm: Cast Wildflowers
Saturday, February 4th at 7pm: Cast Butterflies

Thursday, February 9th at 7pm: Cast Wildflowers
Friday, February 10th at 7pm: Cast Butterflies
Saturday, February 11th at 2pm: Cast Butterflies
Saturday, February 11th at 7pm: Cast Wildflowers

COMMUNITY NEWS 

Becoming An Ally - Interrupting Bias and Antisemitism

Sunday January 22, 2023 at the JCC.  This training, led by the Anti-Defamation League’s Pacific Northwest Office, helps kids and teens explore their identities, manifestations of bias, and strategies to combat bullying and antisemitism. The goal is to help students create more inclusive school environments where they are motivated and prepared to challenge biased, bullying, and antisemitic behavior in their peers; stand up for themselves; and be allies for targeted students. Sign up here.

Please reach out to ADL Director of Education Laurie Lynch at llynch@adl.org with any questions.

There will be two concurrent sessions: one for 4th-5th graders; one for 6th-12th graders.

 

MI Orchestra Boosters Presents Orchestra & Yoga

Sunday February 5, 10:00am to 10:40am at Islander Middle School

All Ability Levels Welcome - Bring your own mat

$20 Per person - Only 60 slots available Buy Tickets HERE 

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.