MIHS PTSA News – January 23, 2022

1/23/2022 5:00 pm

PTSA News

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.

The three dates left are:

• Mock ACT – Saturday, January 29 (Review Session – Feb. 8)
• Mock ACT – Saturday, March 19 (Review Session – Mar. 29)
• Mock SAT – Saturday, April 23 (Review Session – May 3)

Learn more about the Mock SAT/ACT tests offered by the PTSA.

Information for MIHS Seniors and Senior Families

Caps and Gowns Orders and Yearbook Submission Information is found on our “Fall Tasks for Seniors” page.

• Grad Ad Submissions are Due February 18, 2022
• Senior Community Service Hours Due April 30, 2022

Presidents Letter

Dear MIHS families,

Phew. With final exams behind us, it’s time to wipe the slate clean and focus on second semester!  At the same time, it’s also important to remember that finals, semester grades, college applications (for seniors), and the transition to a new class schedule can make this a very stressful time of year. Hopefully our students are finding time to eat well, sleep enough and exercise, at least a little. All of those things can help them perform at their best and decrease stress. If you’re concerned about your student’s stress level, any time of the year, MIHS is very fortunate to have two Mercer Island Youth and Family Services (MIYFS) Counselors, Chris Harnish and Caleb Visser, onsite daily in the Resource & Referral (R&R) Place. Chris and Caleb provide a safe and confidential place where students, parents and even staff can drop by or call for support.

Would you like to help support MIYFS School Counselors and other MIYFS programs across our community? One great way to do so is to attend the annual MIYFS Foundation Breakfast on February 9th, at 7:30am.  This year will be in a virtual format, which means you can join in your pajamas from the comfort of your home…. We hope you will consider supporting this worthy cause, as MIFYS has been an invaluable resource for so many during these anxious COVID times.  If you are not otherwise committed, please join us!  Select Maria Alberto/Debbie Burke (Co-Presidents of MIHS PTSA) as your Table Captains.  The registration link is https://breakfast.miyfs.org/.

Ballots have been mailed to all registered voters on the Island for 2 replacement levies:  Educational Maintenance and Operations, and Capital Projects/Technology. These replacement levies are essential, as they will continue to fund 17% of the MISD total school district budget, including 40% of special education funding, a 7 period day at the high school, advanced science and fine arts classes and electives at both the high school and middle school. PTA Board of Directors at all Mercer Island Schools have endorsed these critical local levies. The Committee for Mercer Island Public Schools (CMIPS) will be giving a presentation on these levy renewals at this Friday’s MIHS PTSA General Membership Meeting (meeting details below).  We will also be voting on whether to endorse the levy renewals as a PTSA.  More information can be found HERE. Please remember to vote by February 8. There is a convenient ballot drop box at the Mercer Island Community and Event Center.

Please join us for our upcoming PTSA General Membership Meeting this Friday, January 28th at 9:30am.  The meeting will be held via Zoom.  Here is the meeting link to join: PTSA WEBINAR. In addition to the CMIPS presentation and vote on the levy renewals endorsement, we will have an update from the MIHS Administration. We will also be voting in our 2022-2023 Nominating Committee.  

With the year now half over, it is almost time for students to begin planning their course schedules for next year. For our current 9th-11th graders, class registration will open on Skyward on February 7 and close on February 27.  This is a great opportunity to talk to your student about their interests and goals and help them find the right balance that challenges them academically but avoids undue stress and anxiety.  

Have a great week everyone!

 Maria Alberto & Debbie Burke
MIHS PTSA Co-Presidents
president@mihsptsa.org

MIHS News

Schedule This Week

This week’s schedule will be the January 24 – 28th Adjusted Schedule.

Principal’s Updates

Read Principal Walter Kelly’s January 14, 2022 letter

MIHS Counseling Center

Click here to read the January 2022 Newsletter.

MIHS BSU Presents Towards Inclusive Community

The MIHS Black Student Union Presents Towards Inclusive Community a conversation about the history of segregation and racial covenants on Mercer Island and steps we can take to build more inclusive neighborhoods. Wednesday February 2 7:00pm over Zoom. Sponsored by the City of Mercer Island. Register here.

MIHS Tolo is being rescheduled

Saturday TBA | 6:30-9:30pm
Watch for more information regarding this event.

MIHS Drama Program Presents Peter and the Starcatcher by Rick Elice

Tickets Available Here

• January 27 – 29 and February 3 -5 at 7pm
• January 29 and February 5 at 2pm

2022-2023 MISD Registration

Heads-up! Grade K-12 registration for the 2022-23 school year begins on Wednesday, January 26, 2022, and Zoom Information Night for new Kindergarten families will be held on Tuesday, January 25, from 6 pm-7 pm. It will be hosted by the Principal of each elementary school and include parents of current Kindergarteners. So mark your calendar for this excellent opportunity to ask them all of your Kindergarten related questions and learn more about our outstanding school district! For zoom links and additional info, click here.

Community Opportunities

Community Conversations – Towards Inclusive Community

The MIHS Black Student Union Presents Towards Inclusive Community a conversation about the history of segregation and racial covenants on Mercer Island and steps we can take to build more inclusive neighborhoods. Wednesday February 2 7:00pm over Zoom. Sponsored by the City of Mercer Island. Register here.

PEPS for Parents of Adolescents and Teens
For Mercer Island parents and caregivers of children 10-18. This program will provide connection, resources and support for parents.  Topics include adolescent brain development, mental health and identity development. 9 week online program | Thursdays 6:00-8:00 PM | January 20-March 24. Session dates:  1/20, 1/27, 2/3, 2/10, 2/17, 3/3, 3/10, 3/17, 3/24   (No session on 2/24 during MISD midwinter break). Note – this group is specifically for Mercer Island parents.  If you are an MI parent who would feel more comfortable sharing your successes and challenges with a group of parents outside the community, stay tuned for opportunities to join a PEPS for Parents of Adolescents and Teens group comprised of parents from the greater local area.  If you’re interested in learning more about this option, please email HealthyYouth@mercerisland.gov.

MIVAL Winter Junior Art Show
MICEC January 18 – March 12, 2022
Greetings from the MIVAL Junior Art Show Team. We are happy to announce that the gallery space at the Mercer Island Community and Event Center is beginning to reopen after closing in March 2020. We are happier to announce that the next show in that space will highlight art by our community’s talented K-12 artists. More information about registration can be found through this link. Please register as soon as possible, so that we can estimate space. Final registration including titles of up to 2 pieces of two-dimensional art is due by January 10, 2022. Art delivery to the community center is Saturday, January 15, 2022, with accommodation for earlier drop off possible. If you need more information or have questions review the registration information or contact MIVAL Winter Junior Art Show Co-Chairs Carol Whitaker carolwhitaker@mival.org and Zeynep Alev zeynepalev@mival.org