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? Read inside some opinions from Lara Fitzgerald who teaches Spanish and Kati McConn who teaches English...

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!

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!

MIHS PTSA News - Dec 8, 2024

12/8/2024 3:53 pm

Help give MIHS staff a sweet treat for the holidays! 

Click on the link below to sign up to donate treats for staff on Dec. 17th. Deadline to sign up is Dec. 14th

Holiday Treat Tuesday

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WA State PTA 2025-2026 Legislative Priorities

Delegates from across the state came together in October to vote on the WA State PTA 2025-2026 Legislative Priorities!

Here are the top five:

1. School funding​
2. Student mental health
3. Special education
4. Gun violence and suicide prevention
5. School construction

This platform shapes our legislative advocacy through this upcoming session. Please sign up for action alerts here https://www.wastatepta.org/focus-areas/advocacy/ and stay tuned for more ways to get involved in the coming months. Reach out to us if you have any questions or a specific interest in one of our focus areas! advocacy@mihsptsa.org

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MIHS School Safety Presentation & PTSA General Meeting

December 11th at 7:30pm

Does our school have a school safety team?

Does our school have a threat assessment protocol?

In the event of an actual emergency, what crisis response services and psychological support measures are in place?   

Find out the answer to these questions and more when our MIHS Principal Nick Wold and our School Resource Officer Olivia Phan come to our December PTSA General Meeting. We will be focused on these questions, but please email additional questions to advocacy@mihsptsa.org and we will get to them if time permits. Hope to see you there!

Join the Mercer Island Mountain Bike Team! Info Session January 15!

Whether you are an experienced rider or want to try a new sport, join the Mercer Island Mountain Bike Team! The team is open to all students in grades 6-12 of all biking skill levels. An information session for the 2025 season will be held on January 15, when we will kick-off registration. Check out MercerIslandMTB.org for more information. Questions? Contact Brian Shiers at bshiers@outlook.com. Check out our Instagram: mimtbteam. 

MIHS PTSA News - Dec 1, 2024

12/1/2024 6:55 pm

MIHS School Safety Presentation & PTSA General Meeting

December 11th at 7:30pm

Does our school have a school safety team?

Does our school have a threat assessment protocol?

In the event of an actual emergency, what crisis response services and psychological support measures are in place?   

Find out the answer to these questions and more when our MIHS Principal Nick Wold and our School Resource Officer Olivia Phan come to our December PTSA General Meeting.

We will have MIYFS’s Derek Franklin joining to talk about school safety. Derek will explain recent results of the Healthy Youth Survey, providing data driving current prevention efforts. He will present an overview of these prevention efforts! 

We will be focused on these questions, but please email additional questions to advocacy@mihsptsa.org and we will get to them if time permits. Hope to see you there!

Cluckin’ Chicken! Ezell’s Famous Chicken is coming to MIHS

Treat your student and/or a teacher/staff to a delicious meal while making a difference!  Pre order lunches by the end of day Monday, December 9.  Lunch will be ready for pickup at MIHS Commons on Thursday, December 12, during both lunch periods. 

Order Now- Here!

This is a fundraiser coordinated by the Senior Activities Committee and supports the Grad Night Party

Celebrate Your MIHS CLASS OF 2025 Senior in Style!!!

Purchase a grad yard sign ($35 per sign). Order by April 1, 2025!

All net proceeds raised from this annual fundraiser benefit the MIHS Cheer Program subsidizing summer cheer camp expenses and other capital expenses related to the program! Look inside for details on how to order.

Reflections deadline reminder!

Just a friendly reminder that the deadline for 2024 art reflections submission is December 4, 2024 by 3:45 pm - please submit all entries electronically with this link. For visual arts and photography categories, please also submit the physical copy to your school’s front office in the Reflections box.

MIHS PTSA News - Nov 17, 2024

11/17/2024 3:43 pm

Celebrate Your MIHS CLASS OF 2025 Senior in Style!!!

Purchase a grad yard sign ($35 per sign). Order by April 1, 2025!

All net proceeds raised from this annual fundraiser benefit the MIHS Cheer Program subsidizing summer cheer camp expenses and other capital expenses related to the program! Look inside for details on how to order.

Reflections deadline reminder!

Just a friendly reminder that the deadline for 2024 art reflections submission is December 4, 2024 by 3:45 pm - please submit all entries electronically with this link. For visual arts and photography categories, please also submit the physical copy to your school’s front office in the Reflections box.

Little Shop of Horrors

Next weekend is your final opportunity to see this amazing production! Brace yourself for a hilarious, twisted sci-fi adventure as Seymour battles fame, morals… and a very hungry plant. Will he rise to the challenge, or will the plant get the best of him? 

Catch it live on November 21-23, with 7 pm evening shows and Saturday matinees at 2 pm. Don't miss out—snag your Tickets now and be part of the excitement! 

MIHS PTSA News - Nov 11, 2024

11/10/2024 2:43 pm

Community Service Hours

The MIHS Community Service Award recognizes MIHS seniors who have devoted a significant amount of time supporting nonprofits and their missions through community service work.  This program awards a pin and recognition for volunteer hours worked over the entirety of your high school years (the time period beginning with your first day of High School).  Through the class of 2028, the hours will continue to be recognized at the following levels:

Gold level award: 195

Silver level award:  135

Bronze level award: 90

Starting with the class of 2029, there will be an increase in the number of hours needed to achieve these awards, going back to our pre-Covid era levels.  We hope you will take advantage of this wonderful initiative and recognition!  Please see our website for the details!

Career Hub Updates

The busy college visit season is coming to an end, and our seniors are deep in the planning for life after high school. The Career Hub is still open on Tuesdays and Thursdays at lunch for drop in application or planning help for the Class of 2025!

We are also turning our attention to providing resources to all of the students at MIHS. look inside our online newsletter for more details.

Advocacy

Thanks to the Mercer Island City, Mercer Island Police, MISD Staff and PTA Advocacy Chairs the city has posted the current laws and safety information related to the use of E-bikes and E-scooters here. Please read the city webpage with your students to keep them, their friends, and our community safe!

Reminders Parent Gathering and Sr. Hoodie Purchase

Senior Parents: A reminder of two important things happening this week.  

• Tuesday, 11/12- Senior Parent Gathering- an informal gathering to exchange stories and share experiences during this roller coaster of a ride called senior year!  This is a no-host, drop-in style event at Barrell’s where 10% of the proceeds will go to the Grad Night party!  Please RSVP here.

• Friday, 11/15- Deadline to purchase a Senior Hoodie. https://www.customink.com/fundraising/mercer-island-25

Little Shop of Horrors - Opening Thursday 11/14 @ 7pm

It’s almost here! Little Shop of Horrors opens this Thursday at the MIHS PAC! Brace yourself for a hilarious, twisted sci-fi adventure as Seymour battles fame, morals… and a very hungry plant. Will he rise to the challenge, or will the plant get the best of him? 

Catch it live on November 14-16 and 21-23, with 7 pm evening shows and Saturday matinees at 2 pm. Don't miss out—snag your Tickets now and be part of the excitement! 

MIHS PTSA News - Nov 3, 2024

11/3/2024 2:58 pm

ASB is seeking community military service veterans

MIHS ASB are hosting a Veterans Day assembly on November 6th and are looking to get Mercer Island community veterans to fill out our google form to be honored in our assembly. Please share the linked form out to community members! Google Form

WA State PTA recommends parents to vote NO on Initiatives 2109 & 2117 in November

Washington State PTA (WSPTA) opposes both Initiative 2109 (to repeal capital gains tax) and Initiative 2117 (to repeal the climate commitment act) in the upcoming election. If passed, these initiatives together may equate to an estimated loss of $1 billion annually towards public school funding, based on what they brought in last year. To learn more details about why WSPTA opposes these initiatives click here!

Gaps in Funding for MISD

Like districts across Washington, Mercer Island is facing significant gaps in state funding this year. You can learn more by watching this 2-minute video. 

Last week, MIHS PTSA Co Advocacy Chair Gwen Loosmore and representatives from other Mercer Island PTAs met with Representative Tana Senn to ask the state legislature to increase school funding for special education, transportation, and operations AND to make changes to our levies and bonds so we can raise more funding locally. We're also working with the MISD Board and Superintendent to provide a "Budget Roadshow" for PTA members to attend in January so you can learn more about how to advocate for our children and children across the state.

Legislative Assembly Recap

Last weekend, MIHS Co Advocacy Chairs Tasha Brown & Gwen Loosmore and representatives from other Mercer Island PTAs had a strong showing at the WA State PTA Legislative Assembly (a forum for PTA members to debate on and vote to choose legislative priorities that will positively impact education). Attendees voted in 5 priorities for WA State PTA advocates to take to our legislators:

1. Closing the Funding Gaps

2. Addressing the Student Mental Health Crisis

3. Addressing Funding, Inclusion, and Supports in Special Education

4. Preventing and Reducing Gun Violence and Suicide

5. Expanding School Construction Options

REFLECTIONS:​

Reflections is a National PTA arts recognition program that helps students explore their own thoughts, feelings, and ideas, develop artistic literacy, increase confidence, and find a love for learning that will help them become more successful not only in school but in life.

Students in grades K-12 create original works of art in response to a theme. The theme for the 2024-2025 program year is “Accepting Imperfection”

Deadline for 2024 submission: December 4, 2024 by 3:45 pm - please submit all entries electronically with this link. For visual arts and photography categories, please also submit the physical copy to your school’s front office in the Reflections box. 

For more information on this year’s 2024-2025 Reflections competition, please contact Kaitlyn Lee or Kate Chung, MISD PTA Council Reflections Co-Chairs at reflections@miptacouncil.org

Mark your calendars:

PTSA General Membership Meeting – Wednesday, December 11, 2024. 7:45pm, PAC

Future Islander Night – Thursday, January 16, 2025, MIHS Commons & Gym

MIHS Graduation – Monday, June 16, 2025, 6:30pm, McCaw Hall

MIHS PTSA News - Oct 20, 2024

10/20/2024 8:11 pm

MI Pop Up Shop is back!

The MI Pop Up Shop is open again selling Custom MI Glassybabies through Thursday, October 31.

Click here to place your order.

Glassybabies are available in white or maroon with three different logos- the unique MI snail, the classic MI logo, or the newly designed class of 2025 logo.  A perfect gift for family, friends, alumni, a soon-to-be graduate or you- there is custom MI Glassybaby for everyone! 

All proceeds benefit the Grad Night Party, an event that provides a safe graduation night for all seniors.

Questions?  Reach out to senioractivities-comm@mihsptsa.org

Advocacy Update

Many thanks!

To PTSA parents who volunteered to provide a home-cooked Korean lunch to faculty and staff for Staff Appreciation on Monday, October 14, 2024. Delicious Korean rice bowls with bulgogi (Korean bbq), dumplings, and vegetables were offered. They were enjoyed by all!

MISD seeking volunteers to serve on the committee working on naming facilities

The Mercer Island School District, at the request of the School Board, will be creating a policy to be used when considering naming facilities. Many school districts and other agencies have such policies to assist when deciding whether and how to name a new facility, name an existing facility/portion of a facility, or rename a facility/portion of a facility. The District wishes to invite interested people with either a previous or current connection to Mercer Island to apply to be a member of our Facility Naming Policy Committee. 

The Board selected two current School Board members, Maggie Tai Tucker and Dan Glowitz, to work alongside the Superintendent to begin the process of selecting a representative group to serve on the Facility Naming Policy Committee. The superintendent is charged with submitting a policy recommendation to the current Mercer Island School Board for consideration.

If you are interested in this opportunity, please complete this brief survey. We also encourage you to share this survey with other current or former Islanders who you think might be interested. The survey will close on Friday, October 18.  

If you have any questions, please contact communications@mercerislandschools.org.

Parent Edge event - Nov 8th

In partnership with the MIHS and IMS PTSA Diversity teams, Parent Edge will be hosting a Parent Circle discussion entitled "Navigating School and Family Life from the Immigrant Experience with Dr. Belle Liang."

All the information is included in our newsletter

PTSA General Membership meeting

December 11, 2024 7:30pm  at 7:45pm

Principal Nick Wold and School Resource Officer Phan of the MIPD will present on some school safety questions that according to WSPTA, “every parent should ask".  

MIHS PTSA News - Oct 13, 2024

10/13/2024 1:56 pm

MOCK SAT/ACT test

This practice test, offered through Princeton Review, exposes students to the ACT and SAT questions under simulated conditions.

Test results will be provided to the student and not shared with MIHS or any college. No preparation is needed in order to take the mock test.  

Test Date/Time:  Saturday, October 26th - 8:00 am - 1:00

Register Here!

Please help! School Photo Make-up Day needs two volunteers!

- Wednesday, October 16, 2024

- Arrival Time: 7:45 AM- Start Time: 8:00 AM

- Approx. End Time: 11:00 AM

- Setup Location: Main Hallway of school by front door on the right-hand side

Email interest to: Amanda Thrall, School Counseling Secretary at amanda.thrall@mercerislandschools.org

Ordering: https://mydorian.com/prepayment/

MIHS Drama and YTN present Playwriting Project 2024 - Thursday (10/17) @ 7PM

Please join the Drama department’s annual Playwriting Project, performing on Thursday, October 17th at 7pm in the PAC. Four student playwrights, four original plays written and revised in two weeks, four guest directors… the rest is theater magic.

Admission is free.

Career Hub Updates Week of 10/14/24

The next three weeks are super busy with college visits as many admissions officers come to this area for the NACAC College Fair. go inside our online newsletter to see following fliers :

1) Next week's MIHS visits

2) Cal State Apply and UC Application workshops at MIHS

3) NACAC Seattle Flier

Island Cinema on Mercer Island - Our First Ever Movie Night!

Get ready for an unforgettable night with the Mercer Island High School Drama Program as we proudly present our first Cinema on Mercer Island event!

We’re inviting all students, staff, administration, and their families to join us for a special screening of the classic Beetlejuice (the original!) right here in our school theater. It’s a spooky, fun-filled evening that’s perfect for families, friends, and film lovers of all ages!

• Date: October 18 at  7 PM

• Location: MIHS Performing Arts Center

• Admission: Free! (Donations are appreciated and will benefit our High School Drama Program!)

Bring your friends, grab some popcorn, and experience movie magic like never before. We look forward to seeing you there!

MISF - Denim and Diamonds - Oct 19th @ 6pm

ONLY A FEW DAYS LEFT to get your tickets to the Mercer Island Schools Foundation All in for Kids Fall Fundraiser, and you DO NOT want to miss this!

We’re hosting it at the hidden gem of Mercer Island - the Mercer Island Funny Farm! If you haven’t visited this incredible spot yet, this is your chance to experience it for a special night supporting our MI schools!

Ticket Purchasing Link

Get Ready for the 38th Annual Newport High School Ski Swap! 

Mark Your Calendar: November 9-10

Join us at the largest ski swap in the greater Seattle area! Whether you’re a seasoned skier or a snowboarding newbie, this event is a must-attend. Here’s why:

1. Massive Selection: With over 20,000 square feet of gym space, we’ve curated 10,000+ new and used ski and snowboard items.
2. Got gear to sell? Register gear online at www.NewportSkiSwap.com and drop off items on Nov 8 or 9 (See website for hours). Sellers get 75% of sale price, and 25% goes to support Newport PTSA.
3. Discover New Gear: Our ski vendors are bringing truckloads of fresh equipment.

Whether you’re upgrading your gear or just starting out, you’ll find something perfect for your winter adventures.  Don’t miss your chance to score incredible deals!  See you on Nov.9-10!  For more info: https://www.newportskiswap.com/

MIHS PTSA News - Oct 6, 2024

10/6/2024 12:47 pm

PARENTS: Order an MIHS Yearbook by October 15.

If you have not already ordered a 2024-25 yearbook, please order by October 15!! The MIHS yearbook staff is planning this year’s book, they need to know how many to order! A limited number of books are ordered each year, so order today so your student(s) don't miss out on this collectible! 

To order: Log into Skyward/Qmlativ Once logged in, select the student>Items > High School > MIHS > Yearbook.  Can't remember if you bought one already?  Log in, select the student> Purchase History.

Island Cinema on Mercer Island - Our First Ever Movie Night!

Get ready for an unforgettable night with the Mercer Island High School Drama Program as we proudly present our first Cinema on Mercer Island event!

We’re inviting all students, staff, administration, and their families to join us for a special screening of the classic Beetlejuice (the original!) right here in our school theater. It’s a spooky, fun-filled evening that’s perfect for families, friends, and film lovers of all ages!

• Date: October 18 at  7 PM

• Location: MIHS Performing Arts Center

• Admission: Free! (Donations are appreciated and will benefit our High School Drama Program!)

Bring your friends, grab some popcorn, and experience movie magic like never before. We look forward to seeing you there!

PURCHASE A GRAD YARD SIGN ($35 per sign)

Celebrate Your MIHS CLASS OF 2025 Senior in Style!!! ORDER BY APRIL 1, 2025!

All net proceeds raised from this annual fundraiser benefit the MIHS Cheer Program, subsidizing summer cheer camp expenses and other capital expenses related to the program!

HOW TO ORDER: go to our online newsletter for more details.

REFLECTIONS:​

Reflections is a National PTA arts recognition program that helps students explore their own thoughts, feelings, and ideas, develop artistic literacy, increase confidence, and find a love for learning that will help them become more successful not only in school but in life.

Students in grades K-12 create original works of art in response to a theme. The theme for the 2024-2025 program year is “Accepting Imperfection”

Deadline for 2024 submission: December 4, 2024 by 3:45 pm - please submit all entries electronically with this link. For visual arts and photography categories, please also submit the physical copy to your school’s front office in the Reflections box. 

For more information on this year’s 2024-2025 Reflections competition, please contact Kaitlyn Lee or Kate Chung, MISD PTA Council Reflections Co-Chairs at reflections@miptacouncil.org

DEI Event on Oct 10th

Aiden Key, an author and an educator, will bring his expertise on gender diversity and inclusion to our entire Mercer Island community on Thursday, October 10th, from 4:30 to 6:30 pm in the MIHS library. He looks forward to having a conversation with parents and students to help us understand the needs of transgender youth and how to provide better support. This event will be a safe and judgment-free space for the participants to ask any questions they may have as well as offer their different perspectives. Do not miss this opportunity to enhance our knowledge of gender equity and why this is important! Please RSVP   

MIHS News - Sep 29, 2024

9/29/2024 2:38 pm

Support the Fall Staff Appreciation Lunch!

Click HERE to contribute food or volunteer at the Oct. 14th lunch featuring delicious Korean Bibimbop bowls. 

Photo Make-up day!

Picture Day is Wednesday, October 16, 2024
- Arrival Time: 7:45 AM
- Start Time: 8:00 AM
- Approx. End Time: 11:00 AM
- Setup Location: Main Hallway of school by front door on the right-hand side

We are looking for 2 parents volunteers, if you are interested please reach out to Amanda Thrall via email.

Island Cinema on Mercer Island - Our First Ever Movie Night!

Get ready for an unforgettable night with the Mercer Island High School Drama Program as we proudly present our first Cinema on Mercer Island event!

We’re inviting all students, staff, administration, and their families to join us for a special screening of the classic Beetlejuice (the original!) right here in our school theater. It’s a spooky, fun-filled evening that’s perfect for families, friends, and film lovers of all ages!

• Date: October 18

• Time: 7 PM

• Location: MIHS Performing Arts Center

• Admission: Free! (Donations are appreciated and will benefit our High School Drama Program!)

Bring your friends, grab some popcorn, and experience movie magic like never before. We look forward to seeing you there!

MI Boys & Girls Club Job Opportunity!

Looking for a part-time job? Mercer Island Boys and Girls club is hiring part-time Youth Development Professionals (YDP) to help with after school programs. YDP's work directly with youth, ensuring their safety, well-being and development through interactive play and other directed activities.

If you are 16 years and older and are interested in taking youth programming to a new level, please consider applying. For more information and to apply, please click here.