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.

MIHS PTSA News - Sep 22, 2024

9/22/2024 2:48 pm

 MIHS Curriculum Night!!

Curriculum Night is being hosted this year on Wednesday, September 25th, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. 

Don't forget to attend the upcoming Curriculum Night and Marketplace, our annual back-to-school event.

This is a great opportunity to meet teachers, explore student organizations, and get an overview of the academic year.

HOCO Ticket Sales!!

Homecoming Dance is right around the corner and it's time to secure your tickets. ASB is planning a bigger and better Dance this year. This Wild Wild West themed dance is going to feature a real DJ, snacks and other fun activities for a fun night for all students!

Make sure to fill out the form below to ensure a ticket to a Wild West Homecoming Dance this year! Ticket form

Your student's account will be charged later and can be paid online.  

ASB is still looking for volunteers for both the dance and the homecoming parade. Please use the following links to sign up: 
Dance Volunteers, Parade Volunteers

Join Us for the MISF All in for Kids Fall Fundraiser: Denim & Diamonds!!

Save the date—October 19, 2024, for the MISF Fall Fundraiser at the Mercer Island Funny Farm! Get ready for a night of denim, diamonds, and fun as we come together to support our schools and students.

Enjoy a live auction, exciting raffles, raise-the-paddle, plus dinner, cocktails, and dancing under the stars. Seating is limited to 350 guests, so grab your tickets now and don't miss this unforgettable evening!

Advocacy!!

Don't forget to REGISTER TO VOTE to make your voice heard in the upcoming election -click here!

And after you register, vote NO on Initiatives 2117 & 2109 in November!

At our general MIHS PTSA meeting on Friday, September 6th, our membership unanimously voted to formally adopt Washington State PTA's (WSPTA) stance to oppose both Initiative 2117 & Initiative 2109 in the upcoming election. If passed, these initiatives together would equate to an estimated $1 billion loss towards public school funding based on what they brought in last year. To learn more details about why our PTSA and WSPTA oppose these initiatives click here!

Legislative Assembly on Oct 26 & 27!!

Do you want to discuss, debate, and vote on new issues and resolutions that impact education in Washington? Join our MIHS PTSA Advocacy team at the Legislative Assembly on Oct 26 & 27 at Seattle Pacific University. Our PTSA can send a number of delegates and you could be one of them! Reach out to advocacy@mihsptsa.org ASAP if you're interested.

MIHS PTSA News - September 8, 2024

9/8/2024 7:57 am

Curriculum Night and Marketplace, held at MIHS in the Commons, Wednesday, September 25, from 5pm-8:30pm. 

Come meet your child’s teachers and get familiar with their schedule.
Connect with other parents, both new and returning.
Explore our marketplace where various school clubs will be showcasing their activities and opportunities for student involvement.
Don't forget to also stop at the PTSA table to meet us.
Receive tech support for any school-related devices or platforms.
Check out our school spirit wear on sale!
This is a great chance to get involved in your student’s school year and stay informed. We look forward to seeing you there!

Homecoming!

Homecoming Dance and Parade are just around the corner, please save the dates. Dance will be on Sep 28th and the Parade on Oct 5th.
Our ASB student organizers are still in need of volunteers. If you are able to support them, please check their sign up sheet.

Little Shop of Horrors auditions!

Auditions are Tuesday, Sep 10 from 3:30pm to 6pm and are open for all MIHS students. Auditions will be held in the PAC (Performance Art Center). Sign up here. 

Help stock the Staff Mini Kitchen!

Click here to purchase snack items from an Amazon Wish List. It’s an easy and much-appreciated way to show support for MIHS staff. Be sure to select the MIHS delivery address when checking out. 

Our PTSA is a nonpartisan advocacy association working to make every child’s potential a reality. We need your help!

MIHS PTSA News - September 1, 2024

9/1/2024 7:57 am

Photo Make Up Day is September 4, from 7am-12pm in the Main Entry.

Get an early start to your college apps with a lunch-n-learn session with Ms. Kenyon and Mr. Johnston. Brainstorm ideas for essays, sign up for your Common App account, and explore the mysteries of Naviance. Be sure to bring your lunch and laptops for this. 

Welcome Back Coffee on Friday, September 6, at 9am-10:45am in the Lower Commons!

Please join us on Friday, September 6th for our Welcome Back Coffee. It will be from 9-11am  in the MIHS Commons and will be a great way to connect with old friends, new friends and learn about the PTSA plans for 2025 and how you can get involved. Looking forward to seeing everyone on Friday!

Workshop Curriculum Night and Marketplace, held at MIHS in the Commons, Wednesday, September 25, from 5pm-8:30pm. 

Homecoming Dance (September 28, 7pm-9pm)!

If you are interested in helping make our “Hoco” dance experience exceptional, please check their sign-up link and sign up!

Help stock the Staff Mini Kitchen!

Click here to purchase snack items from an Amazon Wish List. It’s an easy and much-appreciated way to show support for MIHS staff. Be sure to select the MIHS delivery address when checking out. 

Our PTSA is a nonpartisan advocacy association working to make every child’s potential a reality. We need your help!

MIHS PTSA News - June 9, 2024

6/5/2024 7:31 pm

Congratulations to our amazing seniors who graduated on Saturday!

Watch the MIHS Class of 2024 graduation ceremony here.

Reminder: Grade 9 - 11 Laptop Renewal

Tech staff will be stationed in the Commons on June 13, 14, and 17 from 7:00 am - 3:30 pm to renew your check-out. Be sure to bring your laptop, charger, and school issued accessories. 

Rising Senior College App Workshop - June 10 - both lunches

Get an early start to your college apps with a lunch-n-learn session with Ms. Kenyon and Mr. Johnston. Brainstorm ideas for essays, sign up for your Common App account, and explore the mysteries of Naviance. Be sure to bring your lunch and laptops for this.