Issaquah High PTSA
May 2009
Contents
Calendar

May

4-8 Staff Appreciation Week

4-13 AP Testing

8 IHS PTSA Meeting

20 IHS Site Council Meeting

22 IHS Cultural Event
10:40 am - 12:15 pm

27 2010 Senior Class Events Planning Meeting
10 am, Grimaldi's


June

9 IHS Graduation
5 pm, Safeco Field

12 IHS PTSA Meeting


Upcoming Meeting Dates

The next meeting of the IH PTSA is Friday May 8th at 9:30 AM in the Career and Counseling Center.  All PTSA members and guests are welcome to attend. The 2009-2010 Nominees for election to the IH PTSA Board and 2009-10 annual budget will be presented for member approval. This monthly meeting is a great opportunity to hear updates from Principal Paula Phelps about IHS including construction updates. Please join us!

The next IHS Site Council meeting is May 20 at 2:45.  Site Council is comprised of staff, parents, and community representatives and addresses issues that impact student learning. We are focusing on three major issues this year: The school remodel, defining the optimal high school experience, and the reintegration of freshman for the 2010-2011 school year. Karin Allen is the PTSA liaison. Please contact her at kallen@allen-marketing.com if you have any issues you'd like her to raise at the next meeting.

Junior Parents – The first planning meeting for 2010 Senior Class Events is Wednesday, May 27th 10:00 am at Grimaldi’s Coffee House in Gilman Village.  Please join us to discuss Grad Night, Senior Breakfast, Baccalaureate and many volunteer opportunities.  Contact Colleen Volk, PTSA Senior Events Liaison with any questions ncvolk@comcast.net.


IHS Cultural Event

Friday, May 22nd 2009, 10:40 am to 12:15 pm
I.H. PTSA is proud to present Issaquah High School’s annual Cultural Event on Friday, May 22nd 2009.  This year’s event will be held in the day time, during 4th period & lunch from10:40 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. 

The PTSA is excited to be able to bring the event this year to our full student body.   Friday’s event will be a culmination to the World Cultures Week celebrated all week long at Issaquah High from May 19th to the 22nd offered by the World Language Dept. 
World Cultures Week celebrates the rich and diverse cultures of our community.  

Various cultures pertaining to each of the World Languages at I.H.S. will be highlighted throughout the week.  On Friday May 22nd all the cultures of the World will be celebrated. 

The weeklong celebration provides a rare opportunity that allows our students to learn about each other’s heritage and have fun while doing it.  Students & parents will come together to represent their countries by setting up booths filled with items/memorabilia, information, etc. 

Participating students will be eligible to earn extra credit from World Language Department for the work they put in; students need to check with their individual teacher. 

All I.H.S. students will get to experience the whole culture by viewing the exhibits, participating in art / craft activities and sampling delicious ethnic foods. 

For Friday, we are seeking families who would like to share their cultures, by representing their countries.  We are also seeking parents who are available to help with the event.  Please contact Asma Ahmed, Cultural Events Chairperson at asma.ahmed@comcast.net  or Samia Ahmed, Issaquah High senior & Cultural Events Liaison at samia_ahmed91@hotmail.com. You can also fill out and email the form available on our PTSA website http://www.issaquahhighptsa.org/ and in the school office.

Fundraising Update

Thank you to all the families who contributed to our first and second Pass the Hat campaign.  We have raised a total of $22,082.

Volunteer Opportunities

Parent AP proctors needed May 4-8 and May 11 and 15. Proctors are used to keep the testing areas secure. If you are interested in hearing more please email Lisa Gaan lisagaan@comcast.net.

Outstanding Educator Awards
This year’s recipients for Outstanding Educator will be presented at the June 3rd staff meeting and announced at the June 12th PTSA meeting.

The Outstanding Educator Award was created by PTSA’s 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. Thank you to all who submitted nominations.

 Legislation
April 20, 2009 was a historic day for one million public school kids in our state. The state Legislature passed the education reform bill, ESHB 2261. For the first time in 30 years, we’ve re-defined basic education to include the tools our educators need to prepare our kids for college, work and life.

The passage of ESHB 2261 commits the state to fully implementing and funding early learning for at-risk kids, all-day kindergarten, stronger graduation requirements, a longer school day, and other reforms to improve outcomes for children by 2018. It’s up to all of us—parents, educators, and students—to work together to hold our lawmakers accountable to fulfilling that commitment.

Congratulations! Applaud yourselves for achieving an historic milestone for children and schools. Thank you for your passion and persistence. It’s clear that your personal phone calls, messages and visits made a tremendous difference. Now we need to thank our lawmakers.

Please send a thank you note to our legislators who helped make this possible.

Voting Yes:  Reps Glenn Anderson, Jay Rodne, Judy Clibborn, Marcie Maxwell, Deb Eddy, & Ross Hunter, Senators Fred Jarrett & Rodney Tom

Voting No: Sen. Cheryl Pflug

Call the legislative hotline at 1.800.562.6000. Staff will help you leave a message for your legislators.  Thank your legislators for supporting ESHB 2261, and helping to build the world-class education system that our children deserve.

We know schools and educators are doing the best job possible in the midst of budget cuts. ESHB 2261 is an acknowledgement that our state is not living up to its paramount duty, and that our teachers deserve the support and resources they need to provide a high quality education for every child. The legislation provides a roadmap for the future to build a stronger and more amply funded education system that will be protected from devastating budget cuts. And, it positions our state to compete for $5 billion in federal funds dedicated to innovation in our public schools.

ESHB 2261 now goes to the governor’s desk, where it is expected to be signed into law. Stay tuned for more information about the bill signing ceremony.
Presidents' Message
This month we were able to have our parent education seminar, “What Teens are really doing today”  It was rescheduled two different times but it truly was worth the wait.  We had over 100 parents and students in attendance and we are thankful to our parent education coordinators Sue Jacobson and Patty Flynn for their efforts in making this happen.  Issaquah High’s Resource Officer, Karen Weihe did a great job educating the audience on what students in our community are using when it comes to drugs and alcohol.  A great deal of her information came from the handbook, Parents, Teens, and the Law. We also learned the consequences for students when they chose to break these laws and also for parents when they choose to provide alcohol to minors in their homes.  Thanks to Jon Fox, an attorney with children in the Issaquah School District for his time in educating us on these consequences. And also thanks to Robert Rigg, Prevention Specialist for his time during the evening.

Also presented was a District wide program that Skyline, Liberty and Issaquah High are all engaging in, called “Parents Who Host the Most, Lose the Most-Don’t be a party to teenage drinking.  It’s against the law.”  This is a national program that encourages parents to pledge to encourage youth to be substance free by:
  • Hosting alcohol-free, tobacco-free and other drug-free parties for them
  • Not allowing their child(ren) or their friends to possess or consume, alcohol, tobacco and other drugs on their property
  • Discouraging their child(ren) from attending unsupervised parties
Parents were encouraged to sign pledge cards pledging to not host parties with alcohol for children.  The hope is to continue this campaign and grow this list of parents who will stand together to keep children safe from alcohol and drugs. The list of parents signing this pledge will be kept on the IH PTSA website.  We also learned that this list does not mean we shouldn’t be checking in with these parents to make sure there will be parents at home supervising when our children are at their home.  We still need to be diligent about knowing where our children are.

On a different note, we want the teachers in our District and at Issaquah High to know we wish the budget cuts that are happening and affecting our teachers were not happening.  We know these teachers have given so much to our children and our children have been blessed to have them in their lives.  Issaquah High will not be the same without them.

Sincerely
Jody Mull and Deed Chase
Nominating Committee Report
For the 2009-2010 School Year, the Nominating Committee presents the following slate of officer candidates:
  • For the office of Co-President: Jody Mull
  • For the office of Co-President: Celia Lindor
  • For the office of VP Freshman Campus: Ann Rauch
  • For the office of VP Fundraising: Vicky Hahn
  • For the office of VP Membership: Karen Knitter
  • For the office of VP Volunteers: Lisa Gaan
  • For the office of Secretary: Debbie Sexton
  • For the office of Treasurer: Blair Baumer
The election will take place at the May 8 General Membership meeting.

The PTSA is currently filling committee positions for next year.  Members interested in being part of Issaquah High PTSA committee  positions are asked to contact Deed Chase at deedchase@comcast.net or Jody Mull at jodymull@comcast.net for further information.
Your PTSA At Work

SAT/ACT Readiness Program
Did you know that over 200 Issaquah High School students took Mock SAT, ACT, and PSAT exams at school this year sponsored by the Issaquah High PTSA?  Kaplan Test Prep has generously supported our students by providing test materials and proctoring of these mock exams as a fundraiser for PTSA.  Now they are offering Issaquah High School students a 10% discount if they sign up for a comprehensive tutoring package and Kaplan will donate to the PTSA as well.  Kaplan also offers Classroom and Small Group /Tutoring and Issaquah HS students will receive $100 off enrollment of these options. 
 
There are many options for SAT prep out there, but if you choose Kaplan, mention Issaquah High School and receive a discount.
 
PTSA will be sponsoring SAT Readiness classes taught at Issaquah HS in the Fall.  Check the website in August for more details.
 
PTSA will also sponsor a Mock SAT exam September 2009.  Registration materials will be on the website in August.

Staff Appreciation
Staff Appreciation Week is the week of May 4-8. Interested students and parents can send notes and cards to staff members this week while the PTSA has planned the following activities:
  • Monday, May 4th - Jamba Juice smoothies during the lunch periods, 10:40 - 12:15.
  • Tuesday, May 5th - Cupcake Day during the lunch periods 10:40 - 12:15  
  • Wednesday, May 6th  - Staff hot breakfast and drawing, 8:00am 
  • Thursday, May 7th  - Individual gifts for each staff from Boehm's candy.
  • Friday, May 8th - Staff salad and dessert lunch, 10:40 - 12:15 

Please contact Sally Brunette sallybru@comcast.net if you have any questions or to contribute.

Recent PTSA Funding Approvals:
$323.47 for new histology slides to replace 10 year old scratched slides was approved Advanced Biology
Issaquah Schools Foundation
A Big Idea Grant Funded Program is Honored by Washington Education Association
Please join us in congratulating Issaquah Valley Elementary teachers Julie Ann Enyeart, Helen Cheney and Elizabeth Zyana. Their afterschool program, Cougar Compadres: Creating Unity through Community was chosen to receive a 2009 Washington Education Association Human and Civil Rights Award in the ‘Student Involvement” category. The program was recognized for the strides it has made in increasing achievement and self-confidence of ELL students. In commenting on Cougar Compadres, WEA President Mary  Lindquist stated, “This is the kind or program that every school in every district should be implementing.” Learn more about Cougar Compadres at http://www.issaquahschoolsfoundation.org/news/
 
We Want to Make You a Star!
Tell us why you give to the Issaquah Schools Foundation and we’ll make you a star. OK, not a star, but we will feature your comment (and a photo) in an upcoming edition of Spotlight on Success, our e-newsletter. We want to know what compels you to contribute…support of a particular program…the idea of equalizing funds and opportunity for all students… the belief that an educated society is a prosperous society? Drop us a line at info@issaquahschoolsfoundation.org. Share you philanthropic motivation with our parent community. Thanks!
 
May 4 – 8 is Chock Full of Reasons to Celebrate Teachers
The first week of May provides a perfect opportunity for parents and students to celebrate their favorite teacher(s). May 4 begins National Teacher Appreciation Week, May 5 is National Teacher Day and May 6 is National School Nurse Day. What better way to commemorate a special staff member for cultivating young minds than with a gift to help improve education. It’s easy. Go to www.issaquahschoolsfoundation.org/donate or call 425-416-2045. We’ll send a send a card to your honoree to let them that they’ve been celebrated by you.
 
Remember…We’re Moving
Our fundraising campaigns have switched places. Look for Calling for Kids this October and Nourish Every Mind in May, 2010. More information will be available in June.
News from the Issaquah School District
Spring has arrived, and events at Issaquah High and across the District are heating up along with the weather. First, demolition has begun!  Students, staff, city officials, and reporters watched with excitement from the football bleachers as a giant crane made short work of the gym area on April 23.  While the process to rebuild a new structure won’t be quite as speedy, we are on track to have the majority of core facilities complete by fall 2010 so freshmen can return to campus. You can track the progress—including following IHS' construction blog—by clicking on “Construction updates” on the District’s homepage, http://www.issaquah.wednet.edu/, and selecting Issaquah High from the list of projects. While Issaquah High’s outside is transforming, the same is happening on the inside. 

High school principals District-wide are researching and outreaching to discover what makes an optimal high-school experience for students. Results of the February student, staff, and parent focus groups are posted online, and the principal team is now seeking input from all high-school community members. Please take the opportunity to offer feedback: click on “Optimal High School Experience” on the District’s homepage.

At the District-level, our financial projections are sharpening as legislators and the Governor settle on a final state budget.  With more than a $9-billion revenue deficit in the state coffers, it is certain that public education will be hit hard—although exactly how hard is to be determined.  In April, administrators presented the School Board with a plan to keep the District solvent in a worst-case scenario, which we estimate to be a $10.5 million reduction in funding from the state.  That is a huge impact, which has caused the District to do something unprecedented in recent years:  establish a “reduction in force” (RIF) line in the teacher seniority list.  Essentially, teachers with three years experience and under do not have contracts next school year, but they may be recalled depending on the final state budget and actual financial figures. The recall process could take through the summer. The District is also reducing other service levels, such as scaling back on custodial and secretary hours. As you can imagine, this is an incredibly difficult time at Issaquah High and other schools—for our staff and for our parents who are among the biggest advocates of public education in the state and nation; this is tremendous setback. Our schools, however, are committed to excellent education for students—no matter what the final budget—come September. More information about the budget process is available on the District’s homepage under “Budget 2009-2010.”

While state revenue for public education is declining, there are still ways for residents to support local schools.  Most significantly, we have begun a community process to plan three levy measures to go before voters on the February 2010 ballot. These include a Maintenance and Operations Levy, School Bus Levy, and Capital Levy (with critical repairs and technology). For several reasons, including the current economic climate, the District will not run a bond measure this cycle. Please follow the process and offer your thoughts about the levy measures as the package is developing: Click on the February 2010 levy link on the District’s homepage.

Here’s to a wonderful spring with great learning at Issaquah High!