MIHS PTSA News - Dec 15, 2024

12/15/2024 1:59 pm

SAVE THE DATE for Jan 8! - School Funding Crisis Town Hall

Our MISD PTA Council is very excited to announce that they are co-hosting a multi-district Town Hall on January 8, 2025 at Sammamish High School from 7-8:30pm. Teachers, parents, administrators, students and community members from Mercer Island, Bellevue, Lake WA, Issaquah, and Renton are encouraged to attend to show our legislators that it's time for them to fully fund K-12 education. The state of WA continues to fall short of this paramount duty which has forced districts to close schools, increase class sizes, cut programs, fall short of serving children who need any kind of special education, and more!

MISD Cell Phone Policy - What Teachers Are Saying

Curious how teachers feel about the new cell phone policy at the highschool? Here are some opinions from Lara Fitzgerald who teaches Spanish and Kati McConn who teaches English...

"My teaching world has changed entirely. It's really one less battle to have and the students are in a better place mentally. It's been amazing! The engagement is... I don't even know what percent better. I personally have seen 3 phones this entire school year and not one of the students argued when I collected it. More importantly, I think they are so used to it at this point that I´m not sure they even notice any more. This entire process was significantly easier than I thought it would be." - Lara Fitzgerald, Spanish Teacher

"I'm a big fan of the policy and what it has done for engagement in the classroom. When I had a "phone jail" for my classroom, I saw engagement and grades improve with use. Now that it is a school-wide policy to not allow phones, I'm seeing faster growth in my students and greater engagement everyday. I appreciate how the students have bought into the policy and I now rarely see a phone during the school day. The students are talking to each other and socializing more. Overall, the whole school feels more present- academically, socially, emotionally. " - Kati McConn, English Teacher

Our PTSA would also like to hear from you! What are your thoughts on the MISD Cell Phone policy? Let us know by emailing advocacy@mihsptsa.org.

Our Washington state legislature is facing a budget shortfall. Come learn how this could impact schools and how you can help us advocate for our students!

“What to Expect in the 2025 Legislative Session” on December 17, 7:00–8:00pm
Join WA State PTA Legislative Consultant Marie Sullivan for an overview of what to expect in the 2025 legislative session, including post-election changes in the legislature, known session protocols, and how to best engage with the 2025 legislature during this long session. Sign up to attend the session.

“2025 Legislative Session Preview: Legislator Panel” on January 8, 7:00–8:30pm
Join WA State PTA Legislative Consultant Marie Sullivan and leaders of the Washington State Legislature for a discussion about priorities during the 2025 Legislative Session. Confirmed speakers TBA. Sign up to attend the session.

Save the date for the MISD Budget Webinar on January 9th from 6-7pm

Superintendent Fred Rundle and other MISD staff will be hosting a Budget Webinar on Thursday, January 9 from 6-7pm where they will update our community on the current status of the district’s budget. Please look for additional information in the coming weeks. 

Island Cinema on Mercer Island - Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone!

Get ready for a magical night at the theater! Dress up in your favorite Harry Potter costume, whether it’s your Gryffindor robes, a Slytherin scarf, a Hufflepuff sweater, or Ravenclaw attire! Grab your wand, and join us for an unforgettable evening of magic. Bring your friends and family for a night filled with adventure!

Admission is FREE!

Date: January 10

Time: 7:00 PM

Location: PAC, MIHS

Don’t miss your chance to be part of the magic!