NOTE: NEWEST CONTENT IS NOW IN THE TOP ROW OF THE CHART
Dear IMS families:
As we continue through this unprecedented Fall of 2020, we wanted to provide you with as much information as possible. This page will be updated weekly with an informational piece about things at IMS will look as well as accompanying documents for you to view at your convenience. We appreciate your partnership as we move towards the future together. [Return to IMS Website]
IMS REMOTE SCHEDULE: PRINTABLE VERSION
IMS REMOTE SCHEDULE STARTING MARCH 15TH: HERE
NEED TECH SUPPORT: ims.techs@mercerislandschools.org
INFORMATIONAL PIECE | ACCOMPANYING DOCUMENTS | |
WEEK OF JUNE 14TH | 8th grade parents: Please look for a separate email regarding details about the 8th grade promotion ceremony this Wednesday, June 16th. Here is the student calendar for the last week of school for your planning purposes. Among other things, it includes information about the return of technology and yearbook pick up. Please review at your convenience. Please review the information about iPad collection from MISD Tech Director Andreeves Ronser. | NEW INFORMATION 2. Remember, that June 21st is officially the last day of school. It will be a remote day for all students. 2. Please review the information about iPad collection from MISD Tech Director Andreeves Ronser. REPEAT INFORMATION 1.For your planning purposes, here is the updated calendar for the 21/22 school year 2. Calling all 8th Grade Parents – Please mark your calendars for Monday, June 14, from 7-9pm. The MIHS PTSA will be hosting a webinar, High School Journey. Learn from current and former MIHS parents about ways to make your incoming freshman’s transition to high school a smooth journey. We will present a brief slideshow followed by informal Q&A with a panel of experienced High School parents Click here to register for the Webinar. This event will be recorded and posted for later viewing. |
WEEK OF JUNE 8TH | Here is the student calendar for the last week of school for your planning purposes. Among other things, it includes information about the return of technology and yearbook pick up. Please review at your convenience. Remember, that June 21st is officially the last day of school. It will be a remote day for all students. IMS would like to recognize award winners Whitney Swope, Cindy Cole and Karla Rimmer for receiving Employee of the Year recognition. More information here. IMS would like to recognize PTSA award winners Sarah Hart, Renee Debock, the 7th grade science department and the IMS Learning Forward Team. | NEW INFORMATION 1.For your planning purposes, here is the updated calendar for the 21/22 school year 2. On Wednesday Friday, we will be notifying families that have requested more than 2 tickets for the 8th grade promotion ceremony. We are hoping to be able to accommodate all requests. REPEAT INFORMATION 1.8TH GRADE PROMOTION: Wednesday, June 16th. 6pm at MIHS Stadium. Please register here and sign up for tickets. Each family will get 2 tickets plus the option to try and get 2 more tickets. We are also looking for any parents willing to take pictures at the event. If you can help us out with this, please contact Alison Monen at alison.monen@mercerislandschools.org 2. Calling all 8th Grade Parents – Please mark your calendars for Monday, June 14, from 7-9pm. The MIHS PTSA will be hosting a webinar, High School Journey. Learn from current and former MIHS parents about ways to make your incoming freshman’s transition to high school a smooth journey. We will present a brief slideshow followed by informal Q&A with a panel of experienced High School parents Click here to register for the Webinar. This event will be recorded and posted for later viewing. |
WEEK OF JUNE 1ST | Attached is our monthly Counselor Connection newsletter for May. The goal of this month's newsletter is to give you some tips for how to finish the year with positivity and purpose. We also aim to encourage you to celebrate with your family and reflect on what's been gained this past year.
Highlights from this month's edition include:
As always, we hope you find some useful nuggets in our newsletter. Thank you for your continued partnership. | NEW INFORMATION 1.8TH GRADE PROMOTION: Wednesday, June 16th. 6pm at MIHS Stadium. Please register here and sign up for tickets. Each family will get 2 tickets plus the option to try and get 2 more tickets. We are also looking for any parents willing to take pictures at the event. If you can help us out with this, please contact Alison Monen at alison.monen@mercerislandschools.org 2. Calling all 8th Grade Parents – Please mark your calendars for Monday, June 14, from 7-9pm. The MIHS PTSA will be hosting a webinar, High School Journey. Learn from current and former MIHS parents about ways to make your incoming freshman’s transition to high school a smooth journey. We will present a brief slideshow followed by informal Q&A with a panel of experienced High School parents Click here to register for the Webinar. This event will be recorded and posted for later viewing. REPEAT INFORMATION 1. Group C students, we need you to start planning to return your textbooks! ALL school textbooks (and any outstanding curriculum novels) must be returned to the front office or the book drop inside the front doors by Friday, June 11. You can turn them in BEFORE that deadline, just make sure you won't need them for class! 2. A reminder that the last day of school is Monday, June 21st. It will be a fully remote day for all students. We will be running through all 6 periods that day and it will be a half day (8:30am-11:30am). More specific details to come on times for each period and collection of technology. |
WEEK OF MAY 24TH | 8TH GRADE PROMOTION: Wednesday, June 16th. 6pm at MIHS Stadium. Please register here and sign up for tickets. Each family will get 2 tickets plus the option to try and get 2 more tickets. We are also looking for any parents willing to take pictures at the event. If you can help us out with this, please contact Alison Monen at alison.monen@mercerislandschools.org A reminder that there is no school on Monday, May 31st for Memorial Day. The rest of the week will stay the same schedule- no adjustments. | NEW INFORMATION 1. 8th Grade MIHS Transition Webinar Wednesday, May 26th, 9am: Zoom link https://mercerislandschools.zoom.us/s/87400814949 MIHS 9th and 10th grade leaders will be leading the webinar along with high school teacher Kati McConn. A survey is being created by the Link Crew students that will be sent to all 8th graders so they may write questions they have ahead of time about MIHS and the transition. 2. Group C students, we need you to start planning to return your textbooks! ALL school textbooks (and any outstanding curriculum novels) must be returned to the front office or the book drop inside the front doors by Friday, June 11. You can turn them in BEFORE that deadline, just make sure you won't need them for class! REPEAT INFORMATION 1. A reminder that the last day of school is Monday, June 21st. It will be a fully remote day for all students. We will be running through all 6 periods that day and it will be a half day (8:30am-11:30am). More specific details to come on times for each period and collection of technology. 2. Although we love our parents and families, it is important that we have as few visitors on campus as possible. Please refrain from bringing forgotten student items to school. In addition, make sure to call ahead if you need to get a student out of class for an early dismissal (206) 236-3400. 3. The updated MISD COVID dashboard can be found here. |
WEEK OF MAY 17TH | SAVE THE DATE: 8th grade Promotion Wednesday, June 16th: 8th grade promotion at Mercer Island High School stadium. The event will start at 6pm and run until about 7:15pm. All families will get 2 passes for attendance. More details to come, we just want to get the event on your calendar. We are also looking for any parents willing to take pictures at the event. If you can help us out with this, please contact Alison Monen at alison.monen@mercerislandschools.org 8th Grade MIHS Transition Webinar Wednesday, May 26th, 9am - 10am MIHS 9th and 10th grade leaders will be leading the webinar along with high school teacher Kati McConn. A survey is being created by the Link Crew students that will be sent to all 8th graders so they may write questions they have ahead of time about MIHS and the transition. https://mercerislandschools.zoom.us/s/87400814949 IMS School Musical The Addams Family - Young@Part Friday and Saturday May 21 &22 at 7pm No Tickets Required Play will take place outdoors at IMS with masks and social distancing. | NEW INFORMATION 1. A reminder that the last day of school is Monday, June 21st. It will be a fully remote day for all students. We will be running through all 6 periods that day and it will be a half day (8:30am-11:30am). More specific details to come on times for each period and collection of technology. REPEAT INFORMATION 1. Congratulations to all of the winners of this year’s reflections contest. See the list here 2. Need Tutoring Help? The MIHS Interact Club is a student-led volunteer club. Due to the pandemic this year, we know that a lot of students are struggling with their homework or need emotional support. For this reason, we are offering free tutoring lessons to anyone who is struggling during these difficult times. Our tutoring includes emotional support, weekly check-ins, and homework help (for English, math, science, social studies, etc.). If you have any questions, please contact our club members Julien Pitsch (jpitsch@homtail.fr) or Alana Yang (alanayang7@gmail.com). 3. LAST CHANCE: Have you purchased your yearbook? If not, click here to log in to the MISD Online Payment system where you can purchase now for $45. Don't know if you have purchased your yearbook yet? Click here to to login to the MISD Online Payment system where you can view your purchase history. Use your student's 6 digit ID and last name to log in. 4. Although we love our parents and families, it is important that we have as few visitors on campus as possible. Please refrain from bringing forgotten student items to school. In addition, make sure to call ahead if you need to get a student out of class for an early dismissal (206) 236-3400. 5. The updated MISD COVID dashboard can be found here. |
WEEK OF MAY 10TH | Complete the district Intent for Enrollment for 20/21 survey here. We wanted to provide some preliminary information on the last week of school for your planning purposes. Here are some adjustments we are preliminary planning for: Wednesday, June 16th- 8th grade promotion event in the evening at the MIHS stadium Monday, June 21st- Last day of school half day- Fully remote for all students. We will provide more details as we get closer, but wanted to get these dates on your calendar. | NEW INFORMATION 1. Congratulations to all of the winners of this year’s reflections contest. See the list here 2. Need Tutoring Help? The MIHS Interact Club is a student-led volunteer club. Due to the pandemic this year, we know that a lot of students are struggling with their homework or need emotional support. For this reason, we are offering free tutoring lessons to anyone who is struggling during these difficult times. Our tutoring includes emotional support, weekly check-ins, and homework help (for English, math, science, social studies, etc.). If you have any questions, please contact our club members Julien Pitsch (jpitsch@homtail.fr) or Alana Yang (alanayang7@gmail.com). 3. Please take some time to complete the parent survey about our current online learning platforms. We will be using this data to inform our work for the rest of the year and beyond. You can take the survey here. REPEAT INFORMATION 1. LAST CHANCE: Have you purchased your yearbook? If not, click here to log in to the MISD Online Payment system where you can purchase now for $45. Don't know if you have purchased your yearbook yet? Click here to to login to the MISD Online Payment system where you can view your purchase history. Use your student's 6 digit ID and last name to log in. 2. Although we love our parents and families, it is important that we have as few visitors on campus as possible. Please refrain from bringing forgotten student items to school. In addition, make sure to call ahead if you need to get a student out of class for an early dismissal (206) 236-3400. 3. The updated MISD COVID dashboard can be found here. |
WEEK OF MAY 3RD | As we wrote to you on Friday afternoon, IMS was notified of two cases of COVID from students that we last on campus on Tuesday, April 27th. The updated MISD COVID dashboard can be found here. Although these cases were traced to out of school contacts, we continue to be diligent about our health and safety mitigation procedures at IMS. Please take some time to complete the parent survey about our current online learning platforms. We will be using this data to inform our work for the rest of the year and beyond. You can take the survey here. | NEW INFORMATION 1. Here is the end of April Counselor newsletter for your review. 2. View a cool article in the Mercer Island reporter about the IMS Creative Writing club led by our own Mrs. Gaffney. 3. This Wednesday’s student seminar is titled Journeys to Seattle: Stories of Holocaust Survivors. It is Wednesday, May 5th at 8:30am. Here is the link to more information. 4. Here is information about the IMS track and field program that is running a short season. Please contact Mr. Rennie (stephen.rennie@mercerislandschools.org) with questions. 5. Have you purchased your yearbook? If not, click here to log in to the MISD Online Payment system where you can purchase now for $45. Don't know if you have purchased your yearbook yet? Click here to to login to the MISD Online Payment system where you can view your purchase history. Use your student's 6 digit ID and last name to log in. REPEAT INFORMATION 1.Please consider donating to the Mercer Island Schools Foundation. The Foundation provides so many opportunities for our staff and students. We appreciate their continued support here at IMS. You can find out more information and donate here. 2. Although we love our parents and families, it is important that we have as few visitors on campus as possible. Please refrain from bringing forgotten student items to school. In addition, make sure to call ahead if you need to get a student out of class for an early dismissal (206) 236-3400. |
WEEK OF APRIL 26TH | URGENT: 6th to 7th and 7th to 8th grade registration: Information was sent out via email last week about the registration process. Here is a link to the information. Please prioritize this by April 30th as we want to make sure your students gets their requested courses. Please take some time to complete the parent survey about our current online learning platforms. We will be using this data to inform our work for the rest of the year and beyond. You can take the survey here. | NEW INFORMATION 1.Please consider donating to the Mercer Island Schools Foundation. The Foundation provides so many opportunities for our staff and students. We appreciate their continued support here at IMS. You can find out more information and donate here. REPEAT INFORMATION 1. Although we love our parents and families, it is important that we have as few visitors on campus as possible. Please refrain from bringing forgotten student items to school. In addition, make sure to call ahead if you need to get a student out of class for an early dismissal (206) 236-3400. 2. Bias and Microaggressions: Combating everyday racism workshop. Thursday, April 29 7:00-8:00pm. Hosted by the Education Coalition for Asian American Representation and that IMS JUST Student committee. ECAAR Link (use contact page for link): https://theasianamericanstory.weebly.com/webinar-combatting-everyday-racism.html . Please RSVP-- you will receive a Zoom link on the day of the event. 3. IMS J.U.S.T. Community: Underrepresented Voices listening sessions on April 21st and 28th from 6-7:30pm. RVSP here to indicate your attendance. |
WEEK OF APRIL 19TH | 6th to 7th and 7th to 8th grade registration: Information was sent out via email last week about the registration process. Here is a link to the information. Please prioritize this by April 30th as we want to make sure your students gets their requested courses. Although we love our parents and families, it is important that we have as few visitors on campus as possible. Please refrain from bringing forgotten student items to school. In addition, make sure to call ahead if you need to get a student out of class for an early dismissal (206) 236-3400. Make sure your health attestation is complete before coming to campus. You will not be allowed into the buildings without being able to show verification of the attestation. Please view the document here for information. | NEW INFORMATION 1.Next week, we will be sending out a parent survey about how concurrent teaching and learning is going for your student. 2. Bias and Microaggressions: Combating everyday racism workshop. Thursday, April 29 7:00-8:00pm. Hosted by the Education Coalition for Asian American Representation and that IMS JUST Student committee. ECAAR Link (use contact page for link): https://theasianamericanstory.weebly.com/webinar-combatting-everyday-racism.html . Please RSVP-- you will receive a Zoom link on the day of the event. 3. Washington State has notified us that there will be no SBAC testing this Spring. There will be some sort of assessments that occur next Fall. REPEAT INFORMATION 1.Parent Edge and the IMS counseling team present Signs of Suicide: Youth Suicide Prevention for Parents on April 20th at 7pm. Registration here. 2. IMS J.U.S.T. Community: Underrepresented Voices listening sessions on April 21st and 28th from 6-7:30pm. RVSP here to indicate your attendance. 3. Here is a copy of the Superintendent letter to families from April 2nd about the K-12 plans for further reopening schools. 4. Here is a link to our daily announcements page on the website. 5. Wednesdays are days allocated for students to catch up on classwork and attend office hours with their teachers for additional support. The Wednesday schedule is here. |
WEEK OF APRIL 12TH | 6th to 7th and 7th to 8th grade registration for the 21/22 school year will be opened soon. Please look for a separate email this week with details. A reminder that campus does not open until 8:20 every morning. Students will not be allowed in the building until then. Make sure your health attestation is complete before coming to campus. You will not be allowed into the buildings without being able to show verification of the attestation. Please view the document here for information. | NEW INFORMATION 1.Parent Edge and the IMS counseling team present Signs of Suicide: Youth Suicide Prevention for Parents on April 20th at 7pm. Registration here. 2. Wednesday Seminar - Wellness Reboot This Wednesday's Seminar will be hosted by Nurse Rimmer and Counselor Dash and the goal of this seminar is to remind you what good health and wellness looks and feels like. We will have lots of tips for getting back on track, towards feeling like your best self. The seminar is from 8:30-9:30am on Wednesday and the zoom link is posted on Schoology, as a calendar event. We hope you will join us! 3. IMS J.U.S.T. Community: Underrepresented Voices listening sessions on April 21st and 28th from 6-7:30pm. RVSP here to indicate your attendance. REPEAT INFORMATION 1. It is very important that every student complete a health attestation daily for contact tracing purposes. Please prioritize this practice in the event that we need to contact trace. 2. Here is a link to our daily announcements page on the website. 3. End of March Counselor Newsletter is here. 4. Wednesdays are days allocated for students to catch up on classwork and attend office hours with their teachers for additional support. The Wednesday schedule is here. |
WEEK OF MARCH 29TH | WELCOME BACK 7TH AND 8TH GRADERS! A reminder that campus does not open until 8:20 every morning. Students will not be allowed in the building until then. Make sure your health attestation is complete before coming to campus. You will not be allowed into the buildings without being able to show verification of the attestation. Please view the document here for information. Here is information about which classes have which lunch. Lunches are based on a student’s fourth period class. A reminder that Spring Break is next week. | NEW INFORMATION 1. End of March Counselor Newsletter is here. 2. Wednesdays are days allocated for students to catch up on classwork and attend office hours with their teachers for additional support. The Wednesday schedule is here. REPEAT INFORMATION 1. It is very important that every student complete a health attestation daily for contact tracing purposes. Please prioritize this practice in the event that we need to contact trace. 2. Here is a link to our daily announcements page on the website. 3. Some students were having challenges with accessing the QR codes in the lunchroom that we are utilizing for contact tracing. Most of the issues are around students not being signed in on to their MISD email account. Please review this document with your student to help remediate this issue. 4.We wanted to give an early heads up to this presentation by the Youth Eastside Services / KCLS Emotional and Academic Challenges during Covid (presented in Mandarin). April 16, 2pm. Here is where you can find information here. |
WEEK OF MARCH 22ND | FIRST DAY OF THIRD TRIMESTER. Please make sure to check Skyward for any possible schedule changes. In addition, Schoology should have populated with any new classes, so it may look a bit different for students. A reminder that campus does not open until 8:20 every morning. Students will not be allowed in the building until then. Remember that this week in only 6th graders for in person learning and students at home will be zooming into classes on the days they are not on campus. 7th and 8th graders will continue their remote learning and start in person learning on March 29th. Please see the calendar for the next couple of weeks at this link Check out our slideshow of the first couple of days back to school for 6th graders last week. It was awesome to have more students back on campus with us. | NEW INFORMATION 1.Make sure your health attestation is complete before coming to campus. You will not be allowed into the buildings without being able to show verification of the attestation. Please view the document here for information. 2. It is very important that every student complete a health attestation daily for contact tracing purposes. Please prioritize this practice in the event that we need to contact trace. 3. 8th Grade campus visitation schedule for the week of March 22nd is here. 4. Here is a link to our daily announcements page on the website. 5. Some students were having challenges with accessing the QR codes in the lunchroom that we are utilizing for contact tracing. Most of the issues are around students not being signed in on to their MISD email account. Please review this document with your student to help remediate this issue. 6. We wanted to give an early heads up to this presentation by the Youth Eastside Services / KCLS Emotional and Academic Challenges during Covid (presented in Mandarin). April 16, 2pm. Here is where you can find information here. REPEAT INFORMATION 1. The IMS PTSA has done a great job of culling resources for hybrid learning. The link to their site is here 2. Here is a checklist for families to use to make sure their student leaves home with everything they need. |
WEEK OF MARCH 15TH | WELCOME BACK 6TH GRADERS!!! A reminder that all students are starting on our new schedule this week. The specific schedule for each period will always be located at the top of this page. Make sure your health attestation is complete before coming to campus. You will not be allowed into the buildings without being able to show verification of the attestation. Please view the document here for information. Please see the calendar for the next couple of weeks at this link 7th and 8th Grade campus visitation schedule for the week of March 15th and March 22nd is here. | NEW INFORMATION 1. The IMS PTSA has done a great job of culling resources for hybrid learning. The link to their site is here 2. Here is a checklist for families to use to make sure their student leaves home with everything they need. 3. Here is a final video that was sent by the PTSA to 6th graders on Friday in preparation for this week. 4. The transportation department has send information to families about 6th grade transportation. If you have not received it, please view the information here. 5. Sign up for the webinar from the MISD Parent Edge group titled Working Towards Anti-Bias as a Community- Curiosity and Questions: Engaging in Difficult Conversations. RETURNING INFORMATION 1. Here is the link to the recording of the March 5th webinar in which the IMS team discusses information about the return to school. 2. Here is the slideshow that accompanied the March 5th webinar. 3. Return to School Handbook: Parent Version Student Version 4. XC and Volleyball are starting up for all grades. Review the information from our website here |
WEEK OF MARCH 8TH | Here is the final release of our Return to School Handbook. In the final section (page 6), Health and Safety protocols, you will be linked to a slideshow of all of the health and safety precautions that we have in place for when students return. It is extremely important for all families to review this section prior to returning to school. UPCOMING SCHEDULES: Week of March 8th (orange row): see here Week of March 15th (yellow row): updated Week of March 22nd (blue row): updated Week of March 29th (green row): updated | NEW INFORMATION 1. Here is the link to the recording of the March 5th webinar in which the IMS team discusses information about the return to school. 2. Here is the slideshow that accompanied the March 5th webinar. 3. We have been sending students a student friendly version of the Return to School Handbook, updated weekly, through Schoology. Please make sure that your students are viewing it. The link can be found here. 4. XC and Volleyball are starting up for all grades. Review the information from our website here 5. We invite all 6th grade families (and 7th/8th grade families new to MI this year) to attend a self-guided tour on March 8th, 9th, and 10th. See the attached schedule here. 6. Daily health attestations must be completed for all students that come to campus for any reason. Here is a document and video about how to complete an online health attestation. 7. 7th and 8th Grade campus visitation schedule for the week of March 15th and March 22nd is here. REPEAT INFORMATION 1. Here is the February Counselor Connections newsletter 2. Tutoring Opportunities from the MIHS Interact Club. Information here. 3. Video with finalized return to school timeline |
WEEK OF MARCH 1ST | Here is our second part of our Return to School Handbook. This week, we will provide information about what teaching and learning will look like in our new hybrid model. We have also made additions to the logistics section (in red). Next week will be information about Health and Safety precautions. We invite all 6th grade families (and 7th/8th grade families new to MI this year) to attend a self-guided tour on March 8th, 9th, and 10th. See the attached schedule here. More information will come out about opportunities for 7th and 8th graders next week. UPCOMING SCHEDULES: Week of March 1st: current schedule Week of March 8th: see here Week of March 15th: upcoming Week of March 22nd: upcoming Week of March 29th: upcoming | NEW INFORMATION 1.On March 5th, at 12pm, IMS, in coordination with the PTSA, will be hosting a webinar about the Return to School. The link to the webinar is here. The session will be recorded for those who cannot attend. If you have a question that you would like addressed, please leave it here (an FYI that we will not be able to answer all questions posed). 2. Here is the February Counselor Connections newsletter 3. TRIVIA NIGHT: Join fellow students and IMS families to put your trivia skills to the test! IMS Virtual Trivia Night is March 4th 7:00-8:30PM. You can log in here. The link is also available on the PTA website. Parent and well-known local announcer/Trivia Guru, Aaron Kornblum will lead this fun-filled evening. No need to form teams ahead of time— just show up! This is your chance to outsmart your teachers and principals, but just know that Ms. Budzius has been in trivia training all year for this evening! REPEAT INFORMATION 1. Check out some upcoming workshops from the King County Library system. The Perpetual Foreigner series is a free, three-part webinar that recounts events in American history that have impacted various Asian ethnic groups. The series is created by Mercer Island High School students in the Education Coalition for Asian American Representation (ECAAR) and presented in collaboration with KCLS. 2. Tutoring Opportunities from the MIHS Interact Club. Information here. 3. Video with finalized return to school timeline |
WEEK OF FEBRUARY 22ND | Here is our first part of our Return to School Handbook. This week, we will provide information including logistics and a calendar about returning to school. Next week, we will provide information on teaching and learning. The week of March 8th will provide information on Health and Safety protocols that are being put in place. | NEW INFORMATION 1.On March 5th, at 12pm, IMS, in coordination with the PTSA, will be hosting a webinar about the Return to School. If you have a question that you would like addressed, please leave it here. 2. Check out some upcoming workshops from the King County Library system. The Perpetual Foreigner series is a free, three-part webinar that recounts events in American history that have impacted various Asian ethnic groups. The series is created by Mercer Island High School students in the Education Coalition for Asian American Representation (ECAAR) and presented in collaboration with KCLS. REPEAT INFORMATION 1. New video with finalized return to school timeline 2. With possible inclement weather coming, sign up for the Flash Alert app for weather related school closure issues here 3. Tutoring Opportunities from the MIHS Interact Club. Information here. |
WEEK OF FEBRUARY 9TH | New video with finalized return to school timeline Following mid-Winter break, we will have Monday release of information about specific logistics, what teaching and learning looks like in a hybrid model and the extensive health and safety protocols that are being put in place at IMS. | NEW INFORMATION 1. With possible inclement weather coming, sign up for the Flash Alert app for weather related school closure issues here 2. Tutoring Opportunities from the MIHS Interact Club. Information here. 3. A reminder that next week is mid-Winter Break. No school for students. Please make sure to see the District Communication about traveling over break. REPEAT INFORMATION 1. Is your student interested in signing up for the Spelling Bee? If so, the sign-up information is here 2.. Sign up for the Parenting in Place Master Class through Parent Edge. |
WEEK OF FEBRUARY 2ND | Please see the quick video regarding a proposed change to the timeline for IMS students to return to campus. We hope to have finalized dates soon based on the MISD/MIEA negotiations, but wanted to keep families in the loop as much as possible. Here is the most recent slideshow about the reopening of schools presented at the School Board meeting last Thursday. | NEW INFORMATION 1. Is your student interested in signing up for the Spelling Bee? If so, the sign-up information is here 2. Here is the end of January Counselor Newsletter REPEAT INFORMATION 1. Sign up for the Flash Alert app for weather related school closure issues here 2. Nomination for the MISD Pathfinder Awards can be submitted here. 3. Sign up for the Parenting in Place Master Class through Parent Edge. 4. This week is Black Lives Matter Week. IMS will continue its work on diversity, equity and inclusion for all students and staff. |
WEEK OF JANUARY 25TH | In preparation for being “hybrid ready” when the time comes for IMS students to return to in-person learning, IMS staff will receive additional professional development on the afternoon of January 26th. Therefore, there will be no office hours that afternoon. The middle of Trimester 2 is Friday, January 29th. This might be a great time to check Skyward and look at your child’s progress. | NEW INFORMATION 1. Sign up for the Flash Alert app for weather related school closure issues here 2. Nomination for the MISD Pathfinder Awards can be submitted here. 3. Sign up for the Parenting in Place Master Class through Parent Edge. REPEAT INFORMATION 1.Letter to Families about IMS’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion 2.Letter to Students about IMS’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. 3. The District’s new COVID dashboard can be found here 4. Superintendent Colosky’s January 15th message, including anticipated timelines for middle school return to in-person learning can be found here. |
WEEK OF JANUARY 18TH | Please make sure to take the middle school hybrid learning survey by this Friday. The link to the survey is here. IMS is committed to the concepts of diversity, equity and inclusion for all students. This month, we celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Here is a resource hub to extend the learning home for families. We will continue this learning into February as we also celebrate Black Lives Matter week. More information to come on this. | NEW INFORMATION 1.Letter to Families about IMS’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion 2.Letter to Students about IMS’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. 3. The District’s new COVID dashboard can be found here 4. Superintendent Colosky’s January 15th message, including anticipated timelines for middle school return to in-person learning can be found here. REPEAT INFORMATION 1. Reminder that there is no school on Monday, January 25th due to a teacher Professional Development Day. 2. The MISD COVID-19 Response information center is located here. |
WEEK OF JANUARY 11TH | We want to congratulate our elementary counterparts for the start of kindergarten this week. See the news article here Please look for a parent survey coming out next week regarding thoughts on a return to school for middle school students. | NEW INFORMATION 1. For informational purposes, a reminder that Monday, January 18th will have no school due to the observance of the MLK holiday. In addition, Monday, January 25th is a professional learning day for teachers so there is also no school on that day. 2. January 8th In-Person learning update from Superintendent Colosky 3. January 19th- Anticipated start of in-person learning for first grade students. REPEAT INFORMATION 1. The MISD COVID-19 Response information center is located here. 2. IMS is excited to offer another set of athletic conditioning sessions starting on Tuesday, January 12th. Information can be found here. |
WEEK OF JANUARY 4TH | For informational purposes, a reminder that Monday, January 18th will have no school due to the observance of the MLK holiday. In addition, Monday, January 25th is a professional learning day for teachers so there is also no school on that day. | NEW INFORMATION 1. The MISD COVID-19 Response information center is located here. 2. IMS is excited to offer another set of athletic conditioning sessions starting on Tuesday, January 12th. Information can be found here. REPEAT INFORMATION 1. Consider utilizing the King County Library System “Study Zone Plus” 2. MISD has partnered with 6crickets for virtual learning opportunities. Check out their flyer. 3.My Weekly Schedule document for students. |
WEEK OF DECEMBER 14TH
| On December 9th, there was a webinar to discuss the reopening of schools plan. Here is a link to the webinar video and slide deck presentation. IMS discussed at 1:02:30 on the video. | NEW INFORMATION 1. Consider utilizing the King County Library System “Study Zone Plus” 2. MISD has partnered with 6crickets for virtual learning opportunities. Check out their flyer. 3. Check out last week’s Friday student seminar on Human Rights and accompanying resources hub REPEAT INFORMATION 1.My Weekly Schedule document for students. 2.Want to check out an IMS library book? |
WEEK OF DECEMBER 7TH | The Sources of Strength program, led by IMS Counselor Jayna Dash and MIYFS Counselor Harry Brown, recently had students complete a “Gratitude Board.” Pretty great stuff from our IMS community. Check it out! | NEW INFORMATION 1. Parent Edge Support session on December 8th @ 7pm- Supporting our Teens and Tweens Through the Challenges of Social Isolation. Registration info here 2. Community Webinar on current and future in-person learning plans on December 9th @ 5pm. Info here 3. Google Tips and Tricks Friday Seminar with Mrs. Warnick is available here. 4. Consider utilizing the King County Library System “Study Zone Plus” REPEAT INFORMATION 1.My Weekly Schedule document for students. 2. Virtual production of The Outsiders by MIHS. Details here. 3. Information on Cross Country and Volleyball conditioning . |
WEEK OF NOVEMBER 30TH | Informational Video from J.U.S.T. kids Interested in joining J.U.S.T. kids, have students contact ims.justice@mercerislandschools.org Counselor Fall survey for parents | NEW INFORMATION 1.End of November counselor newsletter 2. Students will be creating a document that includes all of their zoom links. You can make a copy of the “My Weekly Schedule” document. REPEAT INFORMATION 1. Information on Cross Country and Volleyball conditioning 2. Virtual production of The Outsiders by MIHS. Details here. |
WEEK OF NOVEMBER 23RD | Thanksgiving Cheers from the IMS staff | NEW INFORMATION 1.Virtual production of The Outsiders by MIHS. Details here. 2.IMS will be running on a typical schedule for Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of Thanksgiving week. The only exception is that there will be no services available for students after lunch on Wednesday as it is a grading afternoon for staff. There is No School on Thursday or Friday. 3. Information on Cross Country and Volleyball conditioning 4. Trimester 2 starts on Monday, November 30th. Please be on the look out for emails/Schoology posts from teachers about classes and log in information. REPEAT INFORMATION 1. Want to check out an IMS library book? 2. Information on Trimester 2 schedules. 3. Don’t forget to join the IMS PTSA 4. King County Key Indicators of COVID-19 activity 5. Reflections contest entry information |
WEEK OF NOVEMBER 16TH | THANKSGIVING WEEK INFO: IMS will be running on a typical schedule for Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of Thanksgiving week. The only exception is that there will be no services available for students after lunch on Wednesday as it is a grading afternoon for staff. There is No School on Thursday or Friday. | NEW INFORMATION 1. Picture MakeUps and Retakes on Friday, November 20th information 2. Parent Edge Presentation: A Conversation about Supporting our Kids' Mental Health. Register Here. 3. Parent Edge Presentation: Youth Suicide Prevention for Parents. Register Here. 4. Spirit Wear PickUp and Gator Treats- Monday Nov 16th and Tuesday Nov 17th. Information 5. Want to check out an IMS library book? 6. Information on Trimester 2 schedules. REPEAT INFORMATION 1. Don’t forget to join the IMS PTSA 2. King County Key Indicators of COVID-19 activity 3. Reflections content entry information |
WEEK OF NOVEMBER 9TH | Video: Results of IMS In-Person Learning Pilot program survey | NEW INFORMATION 1. Schedule for the Week of November 9th. NOTE: There is no school on Wednesday, November 11th, therefore there is a schedule alteration for Tuesday, November 10th. 2. Student Seminar Information- Holocaust Survivor Pete Metzelaar webinar 3. Veterans’ Day resources for students and families REPEAT INFORMATION 1. 6th Grade math textbook pickup information 2. Don’t forget to join the IMS PTSA 3. King County Key Indicators of COVID-19 activity |
WEEK OF NOVEMBER 2ND | Video: Friday Student Seminar- Being an Upstander | NEW INFORMATION 1. October Counselor Newsletter 2. Schedule for the Week of November 9th. NOTE: There is no school on Wednesday, November 11th, therefore there is a schedule alteration for Tuesday, November 10th. 3. Lots of resources on the MISD Parent Edge website that parents may be interested in checking out. 4. 6th Grade math textbook pickup information REPEAT INFORMATION 1. Reflections content entry information 2. Don’t forget to join the IMS PTSA 3. King County Key Indicators of COVID-19 activity |
WEEK OF OCTOBER 26TH | Video: Halloween expectations and guidelines (shared with students on Schoology) | NEW INFORMATION 1.The Mercer Island School District Phone-a-Thon is this week. Please consider donating. Information can be found here 2. Reflections content entry information 3. 6th Grade math textbook pickup information REPEATING INFORMATION 2. Check out the two upcoming Parent Edge Presentations with Rosetta Lee on October 29th- “What I Said and What I Meant: Improving Cross Cultural Communication” and “Navigating Microaggressions” Register here 3. Don’t forget to join the IMS PTSA 4. King County Key Indicators of COVID-19 activity 5. One more week to complete the Parent Survey: In Person Learning Pilot program Thanks to the 160+ families that have already responded. |
WEEK OF OCTOBER 19TH
| Parent Survey: In Person Learning Pilot program | NEW INFORMATION 2. Check out the two upcoming Parent Edge Presentations with Rosetta Lee on October 29th- “What I Said and What I Meant: Improving Cross Cultural Communication” and “Navigating Microaggressions” Register here 3. Virtual Counseling Office for information about IMS counseling support REPEATED INFORMATION 1. Couldn’t make it to photo and materials pick up? 2. Don’t forget to join the IMS PTSA 3. King County Key Indicators of COVID-19 activity 4.“What an orange learning model may look like at IMS” |
WEEK OF OCTOBER 12TH | Next week, we will have a survey asking families about their thoughts regarding small groups of IMS students returning to school in the afternoons in mid- to late-November. This will also include a parent survey for feedback. | NEW INFORMATION 1. Couldn’t make it to photo and materials pick up? 2. Five Ideas for Celebrating Indigenous Peoples’ Day 2020 3. Don’t forget to join the IMS PTSA 4. Department of Health Decision Tree for InPerson learning (chart on page 5) 5. King County Key Indicators of COVID-19 activity 6. We are waiting for information on the AMC8 math test registration (hopefully, we will receive information this week). REPEATED INFORMATION 1. “What an orange learning model may look like at IMS” 2. Parent Edge Flyer- Pandemic Parenting: How to help kids thrive in our digital world 3.Clubs and Activities Guide- updated regularly |
WEEK OF OCTOBER 5TH | This week’s edition of Moment with Millsap encouraging students to be physically active. | NEW INFORMATION: 1. Parent Edge Flyer- Pandemic Parenting: How to help kids thrive in our digital world 2. There will be no office hours or afternoon support available on the afternoon of October 9th due to District professional development for IMS staff. 3. School Photos and Materials Pick Up- Information on 7th/8th grade (and 6th graders that missed Back2School day) photos, 7th and 8th grade math textbook pick up and Art Supply pick up 4. Revised “What an orange learning model may look like at IMS” REPEATED INFORMATION: 1. Clubs and Activities Guide- updated regularly |
WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 28TH | Video: Student Self Care seminar with IMS Counseling Team and accompanying Mental Health Questionaire | NEW INFORMATION: 1.September Counselor Connections newsletter with a weekly planner template 2. Friday Student Seminar information 3. Superintendent’s Student Advisory information REPEATED INFORMATION: 1. Clubs and Activities Guide- updated regularly 2. 7th/8th Grade (and 6th graders who did not attend Back2School day) Pictures Information |
WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 21st | Video: National Hispanic Heritage Month- shared with students on morning announcements. | NEW INFORMATION: 1. Communication from MIHS Principal, Walter Kelly, re: issue at MIHS 2. Curriculum Night Information 6th Grade- September 24th REPEATED INFORMATION: 1. Clubs and Activities Guide- updated regularly 2. 7th/8th Grade (and 6th graders who did not attend Back2School day) Pictures Information 3. J.U.S.T Committee Information (Diversity) 4. Interested in serving on the Parent Advisory Committee? 5.Afternoon support opportunities for students |
WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 14TH | Videos: Passcode: 7TqL.Aj# Passcode: u=4r.zCs Passcode: Z%u4dRpr 0:48 Communication Template 2:39 Attend./ Engag./Grading 5:58 Curriculum Night Info | NEW INFORMATION: 1. Clubs and Activities Guide- updated regularly 2. Curriculum Night Information 3. 7th/8th Grade (and 6th graders who did not attend Back2School day) Pictures Information 4. Follow up Meeting Participants REPEAT INFORMATION 1. J.U.S.T Committee Information (Diversity) 2. Interested in serving on the Parent Advisory Committee? 3. Afternoon support opportunities for students |
WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 7TH | Video: Passcode for video: 9?kw*4.2 | 1. Parent Coffee Slides Presentation 3. J.U.S.T Committee Information (Diversity) 4. Interested in serving on the Parent Advisory Committee? 5. Fall Parent Events- Save the Date 6th Grade parent meeting: Tuesday, 1pm 7th Grade parent meeting: Wednesday, 1pm 8th Grade parent meeting: Thursday 1pm 6. Afternoon support opportunities for students 7. Schedule for the Week of September 7th |
WEEK OF AUGUST 31ST | Zoom Expectations Video: Zoom Expectations for students | 1. Fall Parent Events - Save the Date 2. First Week of school schedule 3. Technology Preparation for Day 1 (please review this informative video before Day 1 of school to ensure connectivity and access to Zoom links). Students and families should have access to 20/21 courses, but content and links will be available in courses Monday evening. 4. Information on Morning Announcements (video). *NOTE: Attendance will not be taken during morning announcements. 6. Books and Materials pick up for7th/8th graders 7. Make-Up Books and and Materials pick up for 6th graders and/or families new to Mercer Island. 8. Need tech support? Please email ims.techs@mercerislandschools.org for technology assistance. 9. Letter to IMS families (UPDATED 09/01/20) |
WEEK OF AUGUST 24TH | Grading, Attendance and Participation | 1. Introduction of new staff 3. First week of school schedule 4. Books and materials pick up for7th/8th graders 5. Copy of PRESENTATION used in the video on Attendance, Grading and Engagement 6. Copy of OSPI guidance on attendance 7. Red Remote Learning Attendance/Engagement/Grading Policy 8. What we are currently working on... |
WEEK OF AUGUST 17TH | Standardization Video: IMS Standardized Learning Template Technology at IMS- 1. Schoology web login (will not be open for students until close to the start of school) 2. Schoology iPad app login (will not be open for students until close to the start of school) | 1. Printable version of IMS Daily Schedule (Located at top of page) 3. School Supply list (as of 8/11/20) 4. MISD information about possible transition from “red” to “orange” or “yellow” learning models (info starts on slide 19) 5. What an “orange” learning model may look like at IMS. 6. Reminder about student schedules- schedules available for families that have completed the RSVP process. Revised 8/16/20) 7. MISD Tech’s YouTube page for videos on various technology topics. 8. Keyboard information for use with iPads 9. A reminder to look in the Week of August 10th for information about Back2School experience for students. |
WEEK OF AUGUST 10TH | The How: Video: What does Instruction Look Like in a “Red” Online Learning Model? | 1. Information about the Back2School Experience
2. Information about Student Schedules (schedules available for families that have completed the RSVP process). 3. Description of Video Segments: What does Instruction Look Like in a “Red” Online Learning Model? 4. Information about MI Online |
WEEK OF AUGUST 3RD | The What: Video: The IMS “Red” Online Learning Model | 1. OSPI Plan for Opening Schools 2. MISD Continuum of Learning Graphic 3. IMS “Red” Online Full Schedule (Located at top of page) 4. Clarification of Blocks of Time 5. Written synopsis of Video: The IMS “Red” Online Learning Model |