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Issaquah High PTSA
Contents
Calendar

January

28 Site Council Meeting

31 Mock ACT Exam

February

2 Parent Ed Presentation: What Teens are Really Doing Today

13 IHS PTSA Meeting

26 PTA Focus Day - Olympia

26 Quarterly Student Honors Breakfast

Upcoming Meeting Dates

The next meeting of the IHS PTSA is Friday February 13 at 9:30 AM in C-4 (Career and Counseling Center  Our guest speakers will be Kelly Munn/Leigh Stokes in regards to the Basic Education Task Force.  Please join us!

The IHS Site Council is a group that meets monthly to discuss school related topics and issues and is comprised of staff, parents and community representatives.  Each meeting has a public comment period where IHS parents can address the council with comments. The IHS PTSA has a liaison member on the site council who can be contacted by PTSA members with topics for input.  Please contact Karin Allen at kallen@allen-marketing.com . The next scheduled site council meeting is January 28th  at 2:40 pm in room D-8

Parent Education

Parent Education Committee is putting on the following presentation:

"What Teens are Really
Doing Today"

Can you honestly say you know for sure? And do you fully understand the extent of the legal consequences - to them and to you - of their exposure to alcohol, drugs, and teenage driving?

All three high school PTSAs have teamed with their local police officers for three evening
discussions. Middle school parents are encouraged to attend, too. This panel discussion is based on the booklet, “Parents, Teens and the Law” which is available here.

Feb. 2-Issaquah HS
Feb. 9-Skyline HS
Feb. 23-Liberty HS
Time: 7:00- 8:30 PM
 
Following the presentation to "What are Teens Really Doing Today?" will be short presentation  on the following:

Parents Who Host, Lose The Most: Don't be a party to teenage drinking

Many well-meaning parents think that it is enough to take away car keys at their teen's parties so the teens can't drink and drive. Parents provide the alcohol or allow alcohol to be consumed based on the false belief that it's a rite of passage, especially at prom and graduation parties.

The "Parents Who Host, Lose The Most: Don't be a party to teenage drinking" public awareness campaign was developed by Drug-Free Action Alliance in 2000 to educate parents about the health and safety risks of serving alcohol at teen parties and to increase awareness of and compliance with the Ohio Underage Drinking Laws.  Issaquah, Skyline and Liberty PTSA's are jointly sponsoring an awareness campaign which will kick off in February.  For more information about this initiative go to http://www.drugfreeactionalliance.org/pwh.php or contact Jody Mull at jodymull@comcast.net and Deed Chase at deedchase@comcast.net.

Membership Update

The Issaquah High PTSA is now 1141 members strong although our goal is to reach 100% membership which means we need to reach at least 1263 members.  One benefit of membership is receiving one student directory per membership.  Directories are still available if you would like to join, click here for our membership form.  Fill it out and mail it in as soon as possible.  If you would like to receive a National PTA membership card please contact Anne Moore annemoore5@comcast.net.

This time last year we had 1319 members and had already achieved 100% membership, meaning we had over one member for every student at our school.  It’s a goal of our PTSA to achieve 100% membership again this year.  Please help us reach this goal.  If you haven’t already joined please consider joining with the other 1141 members that support the work of our PTSA which is to support our great school!  If only one parent has joined and the other parent would like to join the cost is only $7.  Additionally community members, grandparents and other IHS supporters can join the IH PTSA as a Supporter Member (Click here for Supporter Membership Form).

Fundraising Update

The operations and programs of the IH PTSA rely on revenue from a variety of sources but to keep things simple, most fundraising is done through our annual Pass the Hat campaign.  To date, more than $20,300 has been raised.  Thank you to everyone who has so generously donated thus far.

A recognition letter and an additional opportunity for you to donate in 2009 will be mailed to you soon.  Please give generously as we are constantly receiving teacher and staff requests for funds to enhance your child’s learning.

The IH PTSA is a non-profit 501(c) 3 organization and contributions are tax deductible.  Just fill out the form you will receive in the mail and return it to IH PTSA; PO Box 2541; Issaquah, WA  98027.  You can also print a Pass the Hat form from the PTSA website.

For a full explanation of how special funds have been distributed in the past at both IHS and PCFC, please see the Pass the Hat page on our web site.
 
Please consider giving to this most easy of fundraisers.  $40 per family is the suggested amount.

Also, please be sure to use your Albertson’s partner card when shopping there as we receive a portion back to IHS

Reflections Art Program

Announcing the 2008-2009 High School PTSA Reflections Arts Program Participants
 
This year's theme, "WOW!" really captured the artisitc talent and creative imagination of our student participants. The annual program provides a unique opportunity for the students to express themselves through their own original works. The number of entries was more then we haved had in years! 
 
Thank you to all the students who entered:
 
Greg Dunn, Alexa Smith, Katherine Vlahovich, Haida Ikeda, Carlenn Smith, Cameron Danforth, Kristen Hostenke, Tyler Allott, Alex Cartnell, Morgan Gienke, Sidney Lee, Brendan Smith, Navchelle Martinez, Laura Minch, Hayden Curtis, Teagan Cameron, Adam Schneider, Kirsten Larson, Hayley Beck
 
Finalists for Visual Arts:  Kayla Giles, Madi Catterall, Leslie Tuan
Finalists for Photography:  Lauren Flynn, Kristen Aratani, Stephanie Harms
 
The finalists were honored at a district-wide reception on January 20, 2009.
 
Congratulations, to all of you, for your exceptional work.

Legislation

Washington State PTA’s Member’s New Focus Day in Olympia
February 26, 2009

There will be big changes this year to our member-hosted, annual advocacy event in Olympia. This year we’ll be out in the open up front of the Capitol Dome – a noontime Rally On The Steps! It is time to be a part of a visible change, and definitely not a time to leave it up to someone else. This is your time to act with your IHS PTSA and WSPTA!

The long anticipated Dec. ‘08 release of the final report by the legislature’s Basic Education Finance Joint Task Force (BEF) will make 2009’s Focus Day different. This is the year we want the media, people of influence and everyone to know where WSPTA stands on their mandate.

Register your RSVP today, and check the WSPTA Legislation page for Focus Day updates and resources - http://www.wastatepta.org/legislation.htm.

The Rally features elected officials and guest speakers. Advocacy partners for children’s issues and education will join us too. Bracketing the Rally will be member activities in the Columbia Room (basement of the Capitol Dome), where attendees may meet throughout the day.

Our legislative Top 5 Issues determined at Legislative Assembly are the focus of WSPTA’s conversations – our showing up in Olympia for a public conversation emphasizes the pivotal role members contribute to their legislator’s focus around the issues.

Mark your calendars for Thu. Feb. 26 for the 12:00-1:00 PM Rally -- please contact Marianne Kersten, IHS Legislation Chair with any questions or suggestions you have for Focus Day. Thank you for sharing this day, and for all you do every day for your children and communities.
 
Marianne Kersten
IHS PTSA Legislation Chair 2008-09
mkers10@comcast.net
 
Cultural Exchange Night
 
IHS CULTURAL EXCHANGE NIGHT 2009-2010
"Bringing Together Our Global Community"
(Date/Location TBA)

Inviting all students, staff, families & friends:

IHS PTSA is proud to present to you Issaquah High’s annual event Cultural Exchange Night.  This fun event is designed to bring together our global community. 
 
In this age of technological growth and advances the world is shrinking more and more each day.   Today it has become imperative for us all to be well informed about other countries and cultures.  Looking at it from a global level, knowledge of other countries (and cultures) that we share this planet with will teach us to be compassionate and responsible members of the world population.  By adding to our knowledge about other countries and cultures we may be doing our small part in helping resolve global tension and spread peace.  At a smaller scale but equally importantly, it will help us understand and get to know our friends and peers.  We are fortunate to have many immigrant families at our school who are willing to give us a first hand and in depth knowledge of their countries of origin.   Middle and high school students in WA learn about different countries and cultures in their Social Studies curriculum.  With the help of this available resource of our immigrant families we are excited  to add to the knowledge of our students by offering this unique opportunity to them as well as their families to share and experience various cultures of the world first hand. 

Proudly sponsored by the PTSA, and presented by the parents, students and staff of IHS Cultural Exchange Night celebrates the rich and diverse cultures of our community.  This evening provides a rare opportunity that allows our students and their families to learn about each other’s heritage and have fun while doing it. Groups of parents and students are coming together to represent their culture / country by setting up booths filled with items, information, memorabilia etc.  Families get to experience the whole culture by not only viewing the exhibits and participating in art and craft activities but also by sampling various ethnic foods and watching live performances by the artists of various cultures.   Students may be given passports to travel through this world, and get their visas stamped as they visit each booth representing a country. 

Students may be eligible to earn extra credit from Foreign Language Department or Social Studies Department.  Please check with your individual teacher.   

We are seeking families to represent a country and to help with the event.  If you are available to help please contact Asma Ahmed, Cultural Exchange Night Chairperson or Samia Ahmed, Issaquah High senior & Cultural Exchange Liaison at 945-1199 or asma.ahmed@comcast.net.

 
Volunteer Opportunities

Interested in being called on an “as needed” basis for volunteer needs at IHS? 

Please contact Camie Callahan at camiekanga@comcast.net or Jane Lee at janeandalvin@comcast.net with your interest.

 President's Letter

Issaquah High PTSA Members,

Thanks to Deborah Parsons, our newsletter has a new look and feel.  Thank you, Deborah, for your continuous support of the Issaquah High School community!  It is greatly appreciated!  Deed Chase and I are excited to be Issaquah High School's PTSA Presidents.

This is Jody’s first year at Issaquah High School.  Those of you who have been here know what a special place it is and how fortunate we are to have such a caring place for our children to attend and receive such a great education. Jody came away from Curriculum night realizing the connection between the students, the teachers, the staff and our principal is amazing.  Someday soon we will be getting a brand new high school but the relationships, learning and teaching that is going on right now is what is what makes Issaquah High School such a great place.

Issaquah High School, along with the Issaquah School District, does an incredible job of educating our students.  Incredible job considering how limited we are in the dollars that we receive from the  State and limited in what the State allows the Issaquah School Distirct to even tax themselves.  Many of us in our high school and district have been involved in trying to change some of this for years.

For the first time in nearly 20 years, we actually have in our sights a comprehensive plan that can finally fix our broken education system. The recommendations of the Basic Education Finance Task Force represent our best opportunity to build a better education system, and they’re built into two bills, House Bill 1410 and Senate Bill 5444, and scheduled for public hearings in Olympia this week.

We need to pack these hearing rooms with parents, educators and students to deliver a strong message: we want education reform to move forward this year. Why?

➢    Our kids can’t wait – Our education system was designed for the 70’s: our public education system is producing a generation of students less educated than their parents.

➢    WA public education gets a C grade  – The League of Education Voters gives our schools in Washington a C grade. We’ve improved in some areas, but we’re still very weak in preparing our kids for successful life after high school.

➢    We’re not producing our share of scientists and engineers – We lead the country in science and engineering jobs, but we are one of the states at the bottom in the production of scientists and engineers.

Here’s what you can do:

1.    Join us at our Issaquah High PTSA General Membership Meeting Friday, February 13th at 9:30 am in room C-5. Leigh Stokes, will bring us up to speed about all that is unfolding in Olympia and what you can do.

2.    Plan to attend any of the hearings in Olympia this week:

Public hearing on Senate Bill 5444       
Senate Early Learning & K-12 Committee
Cherberg Building, Hearing Room 1
1:30 PM, Monday, January 26 and 8 AM, Wednesday, January 28

Public hearing on House Bill 1410
House Educa. Appropriations Committee.
John L O’Brien, Hearing Room A
6 PM, Wednesday, January 28

If you want to go, let Jody Mull, jodymull@comcast.net or Deed Chase deedchase@comcast.net,  know and we’ll give you directions, tips, and maybe even a ride!

3.    Join us on February 4th at 7pm in the King County Library Service Center (on Newport Way behind Target) for a hands-on, legislative how-to session called “The Time is Now: Education Reform in Olympia.” You’ll get up-to-the-minute status and hands-on instructions from a seasoned education lobbyist about what each of us can do to help make these critical reforms happen.

4.    Join us on the steps of the Capitol February 26th at the Focus Day rally in Olympia. The more parents, the better if we’re going to make the evening news. Contact Deed Chase or Jody Mull if you’d like to carpool.

Sincerely,
Jody Mull and Deed Chase
Co-Presidents, Issaquah High School

Your PTSA At Work

Mock ACT Exam date January 31, 2009.  This is your chance to try out the ACT without it counting.  Registration forms available at the PTSA website.  http://www.issaquahhighptsa.org/ and follow the links on the left for "Forms".  Registration deadline January 26, 2009

Issaquah High PTSA is pleased to announce that three special funding requests were granted at our December 12, 2008 General Membership meeting. The Think Again drug and alcohol awareness program presented to all 10th grade students by Eastside Fire and Rescue $525.00, AP Biology hands-on Curricula to enhance this new class to IHS $1,184.83 and Turnitin.com Subscription for 1 year $2,977.80.  Total Grants:  $4,687.63

Cultural Exchange Night is in the planning stages.  Watch for further information on this great event.This night has  non-stop stage entertainment, booths, demonstrations, and food samplings, and an atmosphere that is truly festive and lively.  

The second Quarterly Student Honors breakfast is being planned for February 26th.

The mid-year Financial Review Committee has been completed for records dating July 1-December 31.  Thanks to Camie Callahan, Jan West and Anne Moore for volunteering.

A nominating committee has been selected and is seeking nominations for next year’s IHS PTSA officers.  Interested in helping next year or know of someone you would like to see lead?  Please contact nominating committee members: Bltyhe Meigs at blytheandmike@msn.com and Lise Place at liseplace@comcast.net

The Scholarship Committee will be accepting applications soon.  Please look for the application on our website.

Golden Acorn and Outstanding Advocate
Once a year we take time from our many tasks to consider the hard work and dedication of our PTSA.  We need your help in recognizing those in our midst that contribute to the success of our numerous PTSA and school support programs.  We all know who is making a difference and giving or their valuable time and talents, often behind the scenes.  Send nominations for Golden Acorn or Outstanding Advocate to nancycampi@comcast.net by February 13th or bring them to the February 13th meeting.

Golden Acorn Award Information
The Golden Acorn Award honors people who have given exemplary volunteer service to children and youth in our school community, and is an excellent way to honor PTSA members for their contributions to this association.
 
Issaquah High School PTSA Golden Acorn Award Recipients from recent years
2004   Nancy Campi, Katie Richardson
2005   Linda Frye, Jiff Searing
2006   Deborah Parsons, Mary Lou Pauly, Jo-Ellen Smith
2007   Susan Hegedus, Marianne Kersten, Diane McGee, Danielle Tilden
2008   Anne Moore, Jane Lee, Camie Callahan, Jody Mull
 
Outstanding Advocate Award Information
The Outstanding Advocate Award is offered to recognize and honor individuals for continued and dedicated service to ALL children and a demonstrated commitment to helping create strong policies relating to the health, welfare, safety, and education of children and youth.
 
Advocacy should be viewed as active support in the causes for all children and youth. Advocacy includes, but is not limited to, those who are active in legislative issues on a state or national level. Individuals who work with the district or with their school administrators on student issues are also advocates.  Volunteers who speak up for the students who can’t are advocates. Volunteers who try to change things for the benefit of children at a local unit, district, state or national level are advocates.

Issaquah High School PTSA Outstanding Advocate Award Recipients
2008   Deborah Parsons

Outstanding Educator Award Information
The Outstanding Educator Award was created by PTSAs to recognize individuals who have provided outstanding educational opportunities for children and youth that are beyond the normal scope of their jobs.  An educator can be but is not limited to being a teacher, and can include specialists, support staff, administrators or community members.

Outstanding Educator Award Recipients
2001   Paula Phelps, Ken Ruud
2002   Paul Johnson
2003   Tom Haff, Lavonne Watson
2004   Michael Gallagher
2005   Richard DeMarco, James Flynn, Joshua Moore, Bob Payseno
2006   Chris Bowman, Cary Kodama, Jay Radmer
2007   Jeffrey Dineen, Cathie Foote, Paula Phelps
2008   Ellen Jarvinen, Linda Sorenson, Susan Graham, Julie Bamba
 
Important Issaquah School District News for PTSA Members

 Welcome to 2009! It’s hard to believe the school year is almost at the half-way point. With the New Year comes many new changes, and we will have to wait at the district and school levels to determine the impact: At the federal level, the new President and Secretary of Education may soon try to put their mark on the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (better known as No Child Left Behind); at the state level, our new Superintendent of Public Instruction has already declared his intent to change the WASL to a more stream-lined, computerized assessment (although, no changes to the WASL will occur this school year). Stay tuned to education news outlets for more information as the year progresses.
 
January also brings the opening of the 2009 Legislative session in Washington. The state is facing a serious budget deficit, which will surely result in some loss of funding to public schools. The Governor’s budget in December—which is considered the most optimistic scenario—cut a predicted $2.3 million from our District revenues. The Legislature will form its own budget in the coming months, and we will pay very close attention as the political wrangling continues so that we will be prepared for any adjustments when the final budget emerges. One likely target for cutting at the state level is I-728 money, which pays for teaching positions for class size reduction. Some bright spots to keep in mind during this hard economic time: Our District budget has been conservatively managed and consistently monitored for efficiency so that while neighboring districts are facing million-dollar shortfalls even before this year’s reductions in state funding, we in Issaquah have been operating in the black (did you know we have the lowest administrative costs for districts in King County?);  also, our school community values education like almost no other in the state, and that means our students reap the benefit of high-quality volunteer support and financial support through organizations like the PTSA and Issaquah Schools Foundation. Thank you—it’s this kind of incredible community activism, which does not show up on any state budget spreadsheet, that make our schools exceptional.
 
Finally, the District is very excited about several Issaquah-High specific things. First, we expect demolition to begin in late February/early March. We are on track to have the classroom wings and core space completed so that freshmen can return in the fall of 2010. Also, high school principals District-wide have teamed together to really get things rolling on the Optimal High School Experience process. Essentially, they are looking at the high school environment and experience from top to bottom to determine how to best help students succeed. They are holding several community focus groups through February, which the public is invited to attend. You can stay updated on the process through the OHSE link at http://www.issaquah.wednet.edu/.
 
 
Issaquah Schools Foundation

Remember Project GLAD? In the spring of 2008, PTSA members and the community responded to the Issaquah Schools Foundation’s call to assist the District in funding this powerful, professional development program. ISF is pleased to report that your contributions have enhanced student learning across the District. Since May, nearly 175 teachers at 20 schools have impacted 5,000 students with their newfound GLAD skills. Over 95% of staff who participated in GLAD indicate that the training made a dramatic difference in their teaching practices. They report that students are attentive and eager to learn about math and science—subjects that are challenging, yet vital to our children’s ability to thrive in today’s competitive, technologically advanced society. 
 
GLAD’s success at the elementary level has spurred demand for the program at our middle and high schools. The District has responded by creating a modified version of GLAD for secondary instructors. Maywood Middle School is in the midst of staff immersion training that includes coaching, mini-workshops and even webinars.  Pine Lake, Issaquah Middle and the High Schools will soon follow suit.
 
On February 11th, ISF will conduct a special one-night only phone-a-thon to past donors to help sustain this pivotal professional development program.  With our help, the District will be able to complete its goals of training over 100 additional teachers in GLAD, immersing an entire elementary and secondary school in GLAD practice, holding GLAD induction for new teachers and providing GLAD coaches and Stage 2 workshops so that staff can retain and improve upon the valuable lessons learned during their initial GLAD training.
 
Don’t wait for us to call! You can support the GLAD expansion today by donating online at http://www.issaquahschoolsfoundation.org/, or by calling the office at 425.416.2045.  The website also offers videos and testimonials from parent, teacher and student participants of GLAD.
 
January is National Mentor Month
Mentoring a student can mean life-long change not only for the child, but for the mentor. Volunteers with ISF’s VOICE Mentor program have learned first-hand its life-affirming benefits. Writes one of our VOICE mentors…

“I want to share with you how great your program is for both the mentors and mentee. I have had only one meeting with M*** thus far and I am already sold on the importance of mentoring. I loved my time with her. She was so fun and seemed excited to have me there. The kids crack me up! They were so curious about who I was and were all eager to become my friend! It was truly a highlight in my week and I look forward to going back on Monday. Thank you for setting me up with a delightful young girl…”
 
The Issaquah Schools Foundation asks PTSA members to consider becoming a part of the VOICE Mentor Program during National Mentoring Month. You can learn more by contacting Susan Gierke, VOICE Director at 837.7139, or mailto:VOICE%20@issaquah.wednet.edu.
 
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