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April 2016 PTSA Newsletter  
Dear Issaquah High PTSA Members,
 
Now that Spring Break is over, we are beginning the final stretch of the 2015-2016 school year.  The next seven weeks will be filled with excitement and challenges for parents and students alike.  If your student needs a quiet place to study after school, the library is once again open.  We would like to thank Ashley Andrews and Kelly Crickmore for staffing this position.
 
At the April PTSA Membership meeting we elected next year’s executive committee.  We would like to thank current executive officers who will continue to serve the IH PTSA next year.  We would also like to welcome Sara Carmichael as next year’s secretary.  We are still in need of a Treasurer and a Vice President of Events.  Please contact any member of the Board of Directors if you would like to learn more about these positions.
 
As we close in on the finish line for this school year, the PTSA would like your opinion on some of our programs.  We have a short, five question, survey that will only take a minute of your time. You will find the survey here.  The survey closes on Monday, April 25. We hope to hear from you!
 
Speaking of finishing lines, please take the time to vote for the 2016 School Bond and return your ballot by Tuesday, April 26. There is a ballot drop box located on the steps of the Issaquah Police Department. 
 
Thank you, and we hope to see you at the next IH PTSA Membership Meeting on Friday, May 13.
 
Thank you,

Your IHS PTSA co-Presidents:
Bertina Loeffler Sedlack bertinalsedlack@gmail.com
Becky Gordon becky@gordon-zone.com
CALENDAR
Next PTSA meeting: Friday, May 13
9:30am IHS Conference Room
Social begins 9:00am
STAFF APPRECIATION WEEK
May 2nd-6th

We are planning a nautical theme this year:

"All Aboard to Say Thanks."  


We are in the final stretch of getting everything ready for the staff. We will be hosting a lunch, breakfast, latte cart and several days of treats/surprises.  

Below are links to  google docs if you are interested and willing to help out with either the lunch or breakfast.   You will note there is spot to sign up for gift card donations as we are hoping to have a drawing at the breakfast with some fun prizes.  Also, there is a spot for cash donations if that is easier for you to send in a check. and it will help cover some of the costs.  

If you are interested in helping with the lunch on Monday, May 2nd - most items due April 29th  - please click below.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1x9AdYLacyQ_cHavK9buCnens9nFd1P0r9O0_YyYHk3Q/edit?usp=sharing

If you are interested in helping with the breakfast on Wednesday, May 4th - most items due May 3rd - please click below.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1QRnAQ0qhXvbbInKikmTvkJfSMPHBv3c_VuWFntlQ6Nw/edit?usp=sharing

Thank you for helping us show the IHS staff how grateful we are for all they do for our kids.  
PTSA Elections 2016-17

Do you take pride in your organizational skills and attention to detail? Are you interested in becoming more involved at Issaquah High? If so, the IH PTSA Treasurer position may be right up your alley! For the Treasurer position, an accounting background is not required. Our online treasury software is easy to use (and fun).  The previous treasurer still actively involved in PTSA and available to answer any questions that arise.  Please contact Diane Burdette at ddburd@gmail.com if interested in discussing position.  

Are you a good communicator with the ability to be a liaison between committee Chairpeople and Executive Board Members? Then VP of Events might just be a good position for you. Please contact Jody Mull, Valerie Yanni, or Ginger Wilfong to discuss the details of this rewarding volunteer job. 

Election Results 2016-17

We are thrilled to announce the election into the following offices for 2016-17 school year:

For office of President: Bertina Loeffler Sedlack and Diane Burdette
For office of Secretary: Sara Carmichael
For office of Treasurer: OPEN
For office of Vice President of Events: OPEN
For office of Vice President of Hospitality: Ginger Wilfong 
For office of Vice President of Communication: Tami Curtis and Valerie Yanni
For office of Vice President of Programs: Anne Watanabe and Onti Rosen
SENIORS!
May 13th during both lunches
This is a quick reminder that Senior All Night Party Bus sign-ups will be available during both lunches. This is your chance to gather your friends in a group for the ride to the All Night Party venue.

Video Contest

Your student is encouraged to submit an entry to this positive message video contest directed by Influence the Choice. Take a moment to read the details here
COMMUNITY SERVICE HOURS:
Next Thursday, April 28 and Monday, May 2nd, a PTSA representative will be available during lunch to pick up Community Service log sheets, check hours, or distribute additional log sheets. The Honor Cords, signaling completion of the Community Service program, will be awarded during lunchtimes the week of May 9th. Any questions please email:  issyhighcommunityservice@gmail.com
ACT AND SAT PRACTICE EXAM!

The final exam prep class we will offer this year is a combination of ACT and new SAT questions in one test, which will efficiently shed light on which test is best for YOU. This is ideal for sophomores getting a head start on summer College Prep planning and studying. 

  • May 21, 2016 â€“ COMBO Practice Exam with ACT/New SAT Questions
Register here
Senior Class “Raise-The-Paddle” Fundraiser for Prom
 
Hello Parents and Community Members!
 
The Senior Class Council is hosting an online “Raise-the-Paddle” drive to raise funds for this year's Senior Prom.  All proceeds will go towards covering prom costs for our venue, catering, decorations, and a photo booth while helping to decrease ticket costs. The donation drive will run from April 14th to May 1st, and your contribution is greatly appreciated! All donors will be recognized at Prom and through the Issaquah High School E-news. Any donor that donates $250 or above will have their name featured in the slide-show that plays at Safeco Field before graduation begins. To donate, please follow the Pay Online link on the Issaquah High School Website and select "Item at Student's School", then "IHS Donations". Make sure to include your name or your company’s name in the appropriate field unless you would like your donation to be anonymous.

Thank you in advance for your generosity! 
 
The Senior Class Council
 

BACCALAUREATE 2016
This is a reminder that Baccalaureate auditions will be held:
Wednesday, May 11 @ 8:30 am and 2:30 pm; 
Friday, May 13 @ 2:30 pm in Room 1413

Please sign up and pick up an audition form in the main office. 
Questions? Contact Kari Alexander: jkralexander@comcast.net
Prom Preparations
The Angel Closet is gearing up to outfit kids for prom. We are currently looking for cute prom purses, wraps  and dressy shoes for both boys and girls. Items can be dropped into the purple bin in the front office. 

Thanks for your support, let's make sure every senior can attend their Senior Prom!
  District-wide Parent Education Opportunities  
"Screenagers" 
Did you know we spend more than 6.5 hours per day staring at a screen? How do we define limits? How do we determine what is harmful to our kids and what’s helpful? Please come to IHS auditorium on 5/5/16 at 7:00pm-8:00pm to watch “Screenagers”, a powerful movie about the positive and negative effects of screen time on our teenagers. See movie trailer here: http://www.screenagersmovie.com  More information provided by the school district here.

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State of Mind Mini-Conferences
Saturday, April 23, 12 noon to 4:00 p.m., Skyline High School
Adults and students are invited to attend one, two or all three State of Mind mini-conferences focused on topics related to youth mental health.  Each school mini-conference will have a different focus, including how to cope with stress, how to help friends who are struggling with depression, or how to detach from technology. Each mini-conference will also offer a core of basic classes in topics such as the impacts of drugs on the developing brain, healthy relationships, body image, and living with mental illness. Registrations for these conferences, as well as programs with a list of speakers and topics, will be available by February 15th.

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Special Ed 101 presentation on Tuesday, April 26, at 7 pm, at the Clark Elementary School Library.  Speakers:  Issaquah School District Special Services Executive Director, Melissa Madsen, Elementary Special Education Director, Tara Slinn, and Secondary Special Education Director, Susan Wolever.  This presentation is appropriate for all parents and guardians whose children receive Special education services, are new to the special education system, or suspect their child may be in need of services.  This presentation is hosted by the Issaquah PTSA Council Special Needs committee.  special-needs@issaquahptsa.org
 
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Incredible Intensity of Just Being Human
Friday, April 29, 6:00 p.m., Issaquah Senior Center
 
The Issaquah Schools Foundation and ArtEast are partnering on the "Incredible Intensity of Just Being Human" project.  This very special months-long event will bring an art exhibit focused on the themes of mental illness and mental health to Issaquah schools and community.  The exhibit itself will run from April 18 through June 30th and feature juried art located at three different art galleries in the greater Issaquah area. In addition, the exhibit will serve as a platform for panel discussions, tours, and school/community art, poetry and music activities focused on the theme of mental wellness.  Everyone is invited to attend this kick-off event, which will be followed by a reception located at the ArtEast gallery on Front Street in downtown Issaquah.  Put this on your calendars! More information and a complete list of activities will be provided later in the spring.    
 
Please join us for the 103rd Annual PTA Convention 5/20-22 in Yakima, WA. You may contact Bertina or Becky for details at: bertinalsedlack@gmail.com and becky@gordon-zone.com 

What:             18th Annual Nourish Every Mind Benefit and Luncheon;
                        and 3rd Annual Breakfast  
 
When:             Luncheon -  Thursday, April 28th, 2016 at Issaquah Community Center 
                        12:00pm – 1:00pm  
 
                        Breakfast • Wednesday, May 4th, 2016 at Eastridge Church, Issaquah
                         7:30 am – 8:30 am
                      
 Donation:      $150 minimum suggested donation
 
Why:             To help all students achieve the promise of their potential. The Issaquah Schools Foundation raised more than $1.7 million last year to support students when they struggle, when they excel and all times in between. From leading-edge STEM curriculum to financial literacy, arts programs and after-school tutoring, the funds you donate to the Foundation ensure that kids of all abilities have the support they need to navigate their own unique paths to success. 
  • Washington state ranks 43rd of 50 states in education funding
  • Issaquah is 291st of 295 WA districts in per pupil funding from the state
  • Community investment provides schools and teachers the opportunity to put funding to use where it will help students in effective and innovative ways
The Events:       The Nourish Every Mind    Luncheon will attract more than 1,000 civic and business leaders, parents and educators for an afternoon event that showcases Issaquah Schools Foundation grant recipients, celebrates the partnership between the Issaquah School District and the Foundation and informs guests of the continued and growing need for private support of public education.

The Nourish Every Mind Breakfast is a partner event to accommodate business and community members who leave the area during the workday. The Breakfast features all the highlights of the Luncheon, plus dedicated time (and space) for networking.
 
Auction:           The auction is available online only from April 17-26th at http://isfdn.org/auction.
Each year, community members bid on an array of items, including gourmet dinners, wine tastings, local services for car, home and more. The auction is open to everyone. 
 
Shuttle:             In addition to street parking, we have a shuttle for the Luncheon.  You may park at Our Savior Lutheran Church, located at 745 Front Street South, and there will be a shuttle back to the Community Center.
 
More Info:        Luncheon/Breakfast—Carolyn Kennedy, Nourish Every Mind Chair, carolynK2@hotmail.com 
IHS Table Captain—Kristen Allen Bentsen, Table Captain Co-Chair kallenbentsen@hotmail.com -- Sponsorships – Rachel Auffant, Donor Engagement Officer, rachel@isfdn.org
 
Issaquah Schools Foundation • PO Box 835 Issaquah WA 98027 • www.isfdn.org • 425.391.8557