In this issue….

Upcoming Meeting Date

Finding Kind

SAT/ACT Preparedness

Membership/Student Directory

Volunteers

IHS Fashion Show

Bond Information

Legislation

Fundraising

Issaquah Schools Foundation

Dates of Interest

Upcoming Meeting Date
Please join us for our monthly board and general meetings on January 13th.  We’ll start at 9:00 with coffee and treats, and then begin the meeting at 9:30 sharp. This month we will have an important presentation by the Volunteers for Issaquah Schools about the upcoming bond and we’ll be doing a mid-year review of progress toward our PTSA goals. You’ll find the meeting agenda and minutes from previous meetings here.

Finding Kind
Please join us for a screening of the documentary, Finding Kind, at IHS on February 1^st at 6:30 PM (and also at Skyline High School on January 31^st).  In Finding Kind, filmmakers Lauren Parsekian and Molly Thompson, who met while in school at Pepperdine University, set out in a cross country journey of discovery and education. Interviewing women and girls along the way about their lives and experiences, Parsekian and Thompson find, among all of the unique personal stories, some universal truths about growing up as girls. Finding Kind is a document of that journey, and of the filmmakers’ quest to take these experiences and find a common ground of kindness and mutual respect. In addition to all of the individual girls and women who share their personal experiences about girl on girl bullying with the filmmakers, Parsekian and Thompson include interviews with respected experts and authors in the fields of psychology, education, and the interrelationships of women and girls.

This complimentary showing is made possible by the Issaquah Secondary School PTSA’s, the Issaquah Schools Foundation and Issaquah PTSA Council.  Each showing will be followed by a facilitated discussion by the filmmakers, Lauren Parsekian and Molly Thompson.  These showings are for ISD Secondary students 11 years and older & their parents.  Boys are encouraged to attend.

The post movie discussion is geared towards secondary students and is not appropriate for elementary students. These showings are not open to the general public. Doors will open at 5:45 for seating and ISD ASB student ID cards will be required for entry prior to 6:25. After 6:25 remaining open seating will be available to people without ISD ASB cards.  Click here  to watch a three minute trailer.

SAT/ACT Preparedness—Last Chance for this school year
SAT Prep Classes
Does Your Student Need Help Studying for the SAT?  The PTSA offers Verbal and Math classes to help students prepare for taking the SAT!  Math is on Mondays beginning February 6^th (2:45-4:45PM for the early session and 5:00-7:00PM for the late session).  Verbal is on Thursdays beginning February 9^th (same time ranges as listed above).

There are 6 weeks of classes – skipping mid-winter break.  Students do not need to attend all days to benefit – each class is an opportunity to brush up on SAT skills.  Even if your student needs to miss a day or two, it is still a bargain – shop around and you will find the best SAT prep deal is conveniently located right here at IHS and is taught by IHS teachers!  The cost for Math is $85.  The cost for Verbal is $100.  It is $175 if you register for both classes.  The textbook, The Official SAT Study Guide – 2^nd Edition (from the College Board) is included in the cost.  These are the last classes offered for this school year.  The next time we will offer these classes will be in the fall of 2012. If you think you signed up before January 7th, and didn’t receive an email confirmation, please email Tina Weber.  It could be that we have the wrong email address for you.  Click here to register and see more detailed information. 

Mock SAT and ACT Exams
The dates for the Mock ACT and Mock SAT for 2012 are:
                Saturday, January 28, 8am-1pm (Mock ACT)
                Saturday, February 4^th, 8am-1pm (Mock SAT)

These exams are a great way for students to practice before the actual SAT and ACT exams and all proceeds benefit the PTSA.  If you can’t make the dates listed, there is an option to take the exam(s) at home and send it to Kaplan for scoring.  Included in the cost for each Mock exam is a feedback session on Monday, February 13^th, at 6:30pm.  Cost for each Mock Exam is $25.  Register and pay online.  If you have already registered, you should have received a reminder email at the beginning of January.  If you have any questions, contact Margaret Chalfant .

Membership/Student Directory
Please encourage your friends to join Issaquah High PTSA!  We now have a record-breaking 1,387 members, but are still looking for over 400 more to get to our goal of 100%.  Please go to the IH PTSA website to sign up and to see our current member list.  Directories were sent out to member families in December. If you did not receive one, please contact Anne Watanabe, VP of Membership.

Volunteers
Senior Baccalaureate is an annual, traditional part of graduation week that will take place on Saturday, June 9^th.  It is a non-denominational ceremony honoring all our seniors, providing them with the opportunity for reflection and the sharing of joy and appreciation with each other, teachers, friends and family.  Over 750 people attended the event at Eastridge Church last year.  We are in the process of establishing a committee of 8-12 people to help coordinate this PTSA-sponsored event and plan to meet monthly.  There are big and small jobs to complete—something for everyone.  Please contact Karen Starcevich or Blythe Meigs if you are interested in participating on the committee.

IHS Fashion Show
Get ready for the IHS Fashion Show!  Your student could be Issaquah’s next top model.  We're looking for ONE HUNDRED models and four emcees!  Applications (which are due by January 16^th) for models and emcees can be found in the main office, at the ASB office, or on the IHS website.  The fashion show and auction will be held on Friday, March 9, 2012.   See you on the runway!

Bond Information

Legislation
In its historic ruling posted January 5, the Washington State Supreme Court found the state is not meeting its constitutional duty to provide for the ample education of all children. “This is a clear win for kids, and starting today we have a new conversation,” says Novella Fraser, president of the Washington State PTA (WSPTA). “We’re not going to talk about more cuts to school kids. We’re going to figure out how to pay for an instructional program that prepares all children for college and career.”  To read more about the decision and the WSPTA position, click here.

Fundraising
Does your company match donations to non-profits?  It's a great way to "supersize" your membership fee and any additional gifts to Issaquah High PTSA (Tax ID# 91-1268016).  Carol Jongejan is our Matching Gifts chair; feel free to contact her with any questions.  

Issaquah Schools Foundation (ISF)

Dates of Interest
January 10                 5K Run
January 10                 Reflections reception at PCMS
January 13                 IH PTSA Meeting--IHS Main Office
        9:00 am             Coffee and Conversation
        9:30 am             Meeting Begins
January 16                 MLK Day—No school
January 18-20             Finals—Adjusted schedule
January 28                 Mock ACT exam