Welcome to MIHS

1. Welcome to MIHS PTSA Outreach/dlbtien New Families 2017-18 edition

2. We will share with you what we know… • Student Support Team • Classes, teachers • Building, pick up • Extra, extraordinary curricular things to do • Bridges at MIHS • Schedules – regular, block and assembly • Sports • Arts • Student Life on campus • Parents

3. Here to help you learn We are not a huge school, but we are big, we are busy and pack a lot into every inch of space, every minute of the day – in and out of class. The school has staff here to help our students. The staff here is dedicated, have big hearts and bigger smiles. Seek them out when you need help.

4. Your Support Team Special Needs Students Paraeducators Athletics Arts and Band Special Ed Crest Parking College and Career Planning Security Lunch Account Services • Principal Vicki Puckett • Associate Principal (AP) • Each student has an assigned AP • Academic Counsel – see next slide • Physical and Mental Health Support • Counselors • R&R • Nurse

5. Support Team – Academic Counseling • Registrar/Transcripts • Counseling Secretary • College and Career Planning • Train students to use Naviance, support College Night Series with PTSA • Each student has an assigned Individual Counselor • Students will meet with their counselor • Students may make an appointment at anytime to discuss needs, questions Here to help you solve academic problems, answer questions and help with your needs today and plans for your future

6. Support Team – Wellness • Nurse • Not feeling well during school day • Medications needing to be taken during day • Immunizations • Tucked in back corner of counseling office • R & R – Resources and Referrals • Open door during school hours • Safety Officer • Any and all questions are welcome • Support when you walk in door and help getting ongoing support

7. Students help each other • ASB – Associated Student Body • Student representatives • Help solve problems • Communicate with staff to improve things • Put on dances, events • Overseen by Associate Principal & Leadership Teacher • Student Newspaper – The Islander Find it online & subscribe! • Clubs – look for signs on the walls • List of clubs on Website • The Commons – snacks, café, breakfast, lunch • New! New Kids on the Rock Peer Ambassador program

8. Teachers • Our teachers work very hard, are in class, are available for drop in questions during planning and before/after school. • Attend Curriculum night in late September is first, best chance to get an overview of the year ahead. • Ask your child will have the curriculum night presentation schedule • Use Skyward to see master schedule for where to go • Students are encouraged to communicate with teachers. • Many of our teachers are also coaches, club facilitators, bridge class leaders. • Teachers make themselves available for questions, extra help 1-2 or more times per week. See the syllabus and/or ask the teacher • Find out preference for communication. In person, email, rarely phone • Be proactive, if your child needs help, have he/she/they talk to the teacher

9. Tutors • PTSA funds a free tutoring program in Core Subject areas • English, Math, Science, Social Studies, World Language • Tutoring is offered before and after school in one of the classrooms • Students can find out what's available by checking daily bulletin and on website.

10. Athletics Office, Facilities • Athletic Director • Associate Principal oversees Athletics • Facilities and Athletic Coordinator • Sits in hallway off main hall. Go there for forms, questions, needs for fields, questions. • Athletics Secretary All sports require a completed packet, including a physical turned into school before student may participate.

11. Classes All students in Washington State have the same standards to get a high school diploma. MIHS will help students meet that standard and fulfill their personal potential. For students wishing to go onto 2, 4 year colleges, there are some additional typical classes expected and MIHS provides classes and opportunities beyond the standard. • English • Math • Science • Health and Fitness • Arts • Social Studies • Occupational Education • Electives

12. Classes – beyond the core • World Language • Chinese, Spanish, French • Business • AP • Honors • Running Start • Special Education • Crest • Online • WaNIC • College in the High school • Study Abroad • ELL Services

13. How do I find out about academic opportunities? • Every year, in the spring students have a presentation from MIHS Academic Counselors regarding course offerings and academic requirements for the following year. The classes are described with additional options also included. • Our guidance counselors are the in-house resource for all coursework that will be on a students transcript. The counseling team is very busy and you, as a family may get most of your questions answered online. There may be prerequisites, family costs and challenges to schedule, etc. Starting online to learn about them independently first and if seems coursework will be a good fit, contact his or her or their guidance counselor about enrollment process.

14. Studying, staying on top of the workload • Syllabus • Say hi to teacher • Go to teacher during their open time • Use online tools provided for class • Schoology • Varies – Schoology, webpage, charms (band/orchestra) • Skyward – check often for grades, missing assignments, attendance • Free tutoring sessions available before and after school. See daily bulletin for info • Ask one student in every class for their phone # to call if you miss class

15. Online Tools • FULL of INFO – Spend time on the Website: http://www.mercerislandschools.org/mihs • Daily bulletin – key dates for week – school, sports, extra curricular • District Calendar – pdf of school days and dynamic calendar with activities • Pay fees for lunch, sport, fines • PTSA support https://mihsptsa.org/ • Get involved and ask for a New Family Mentor • ParentEdge • Skyward – on computer and phone app • Schedule, grades, missing assignments, lunch balance • Schoology – used by many teachers for content sharing • Charms – online tool used by band/orchestra • Naviance - College Planning tool given to students when they arrive in 9th grade. Read the Daily bulletin find on school website Skyward is GREAT! Go to school website for link miparentedge.org Sign up for MIHSPTSA.org and get regular updates in email

16. Technology Tools IPADS Math Calculators As students progress in math, they likely will be required to get a calculator. The teacher will tell students what tool they need. If Student has financial need, please let school know. Tell your counselor. • Every Student is given an iPAD at beginning of year during fees and photos day. • Students turn them back in before end of year. • Assigned #, insurance available for loss/damage • Students trained on basics – acceptable use, care, etc. • Teachers will use for specialized programs • Students expected to use for academics

17. Paying fees • Parents can see what they owe by going to school website online and complete the transaction there. • The school uses InTouch system to collect money for all items except lunch. Go to the school website for the link. You can pay most fees there including ASB, Athletics, Events, IPAD insurance, Fines. You may call office if you owe money or have questions. • Our lunch account system uses Revtrak. Revtrak is linked to Skyward. Parents can log on to their account in Skyward and put money in and will immediately be available for student to use. There is a lunch services district employee available to answer questions, help you. Lunch staff also accept checks to load into student account.

18. Calendars District Publishes annual calendar for vacation planning, etc. You can find next year’s calendar also for planning purposes. A dynamic district calendar with events color coded by schools. You can export to your personal calendar as well. Our Sports Teams work off of a League (KINGCO) calendar. Coaches will share with athletes and parents best way to stay informed. Some groups use their own organizing calendar, such as Band which uses Charms. The Band director shares instructions with students and families about using it.

19. Meetings, Events • Meet new friends at New Family Meetup – shortly before school year and smaller meetups during the year. Read the email from PTSA for updates. • Attend Curriculum Night – late September. Best chance to get a sense of community. • Homecoming Parade. An MI tradition, the downtown is closed off for 30 minutes while the band and homecoming court make their way along the downtown area. Followed by a Football Game – chance to see the football team, cheerleaders, drill team and band perform. • Fine Arts Showcase – The commons is transformed to a gallery and performance space and all the wings of the high school are lined with selected artwork from children through the school district. The various bands, orchestras, choirs from all over district perform in the gymnasium. • ParentEdge Series. Our parent community organizes lectures geared toward the needs of our community. • College Night Series. Our counselors share with parents and students on what our college bound students should be doing. • College Visits in-house. Many colleges come to MIHS to meet students and answer questions. Typically during lunch and right after school.

20. Maroon and White • The Student Store in the Commons sells Spirit wear and Clubs/Teams also sell items at “Marketplace” during Curriculum Night in the fall. • Rite Aide sells MI Spirit wear. • Clubs and Sports often have a purchase opportunity at the beginning of the season. • The School has many ‘spirit days’ Fridays are often Spirit days in the fall. Students will be reminded during announcements. • Athletes, Clubs, Music groups will often wear their uniform or T-shirt on these days. If a student has a maroon or white T-Shirt, that works great, too. • Many students choose to not wear Maroon and White and this is normal, fine.

21. Daily Schedule • If you are on campus between 8-3 everyday, you will be ok. Wed is a late start 8:45 and finishes at 2:50. There is 5 minutes between classes. Most students have 1 free period. The Commons and the library are great places to hang out to study and relax. • Learn the block Schedule and be at school, in class on time. • There are different daily schedules • Regular Block • No Block • Assembly • 1 Hour Delay, 2 Hour Delay • Refer to the Website under Student Schedules and the Daily Bulletin for Schedule information

22. Class Schedule – Block Mon Thu Fri : 7 periods at 50 min each 8am-3pm Tue and Wed, classes are 90 min each. Tues has 4 classes 8am-3pm Wed has 3 classes, plus 45 min bridges class Wed is also staff development day with late start to allow teachers time to work. Assembly days have different schedules, too. If delay for weather, there is a schedule. Look at website for more info. Students hear reminders in announcements and from teachers.

23. When your late, absent Lateness is a BIG deal at MIHS. It is disrupting, takes away from learning of everyone. Teachers WILL mark you late and require a explanation note signed by a parent to prevent the lateness from being recorded as unexcused. Repeated lateness is sign you need attention. The attention will be in detention and communication to your parents. Be on time or early! Same with absences. There are state laws that kick-in if a student has too many absences. No fun for you, your family or school. Every absence must have a signed note from a parent explaining reason. Students have 2 days to turn in a note or absence is marked unexcused. Too many unexplained absences, the school will take action. Be well, be responsible about explaining why absent. Involve your parents. Everyone catches a cold and sometimes the flu. If you are sick, stay home. Use the recommended support system to get caught up on what you missed. If you don’t have one, email your teacher and commit to learning a way to get missed work.

24. When you need to leave school early • If student needs to leave early, he/she/they need to bring a signed note from parents with 2 pieces of information: • Reason for leaving early • Time student needs to leave • Student shows note to teacher for permission to leave class. • Student goes to Attendance Office and hands in note.

25. When you plan to be absent – use the WHAMMO form. • For organization (and sanity) of those keeping attendance, all clubs, sports and school field trips requiring a student to leave campus require a parent-signed form filled out and turned in. Same if your family vacation overlaps school days. Copies are available on website and are often emailed as attachment from organizers. Students can turn in at attendance office. • Pre-arranged absence forms required for all school activities. • Field trips, vacations, college visitations, religious holidays. • Copies of form are on website.

26. When your not feeling well at school Get some help! Tell your child… • If you don’t feel well and are distracted in class, get some help. • Our trained staff will help you figure out what is going on and help you: • See the nurse if you have physical symptoms or just don’t feel well • Nurse is inside the counseling center. It is ok to just walk directly to the door marked Nurse. • Go to R & R (Resources and Referrals) to talk to a counselor if you have thoughts or worries or questions that are distracting you.

27. Nurse • Here at school to help you • In counseling center • A good place to start • Not ‘feeling well’ • Has beds to rest • Also tracks all students for current immunizations • Will contact parents/guardian

28. R&R • Here to help • A good place to start • Will help you figure out what to do if not sure • Eating issues, body issues • Worries • Questions or concerns • Access and connections to broader network of support

29. School Campus

30. Crest and District Administration Building Crest District Administration Superintendent Special Needs Communications Transportation Human Resources Legal, Compliance Food Services Finance/Accounting • At MIHS, but in a different building next to the Administration building • Alternative program with more individualized format, often with creative approach to learning. • More than 150 students attend some or all of the school day at Crest. • Learning Services • Technology • Facilities • Testing/Assessment

31. Places you will get to know Amphitheatre aka the Mosh Pit – in front of the commons Gyms, Weight room Library Tennis courts Short cuts Public Bus stop Special Ed bus drop off Neighborhood – when & where ok to park Drop off and pick up spots Parking Offices Classrooms Presentations – usually 1 of 2 places LPR or Library Presentation room Library entrance is on main hallway near commons PAC - Performance Arts Center - enter through commons Commons – lunchroom, hang-out place with tables Parents often enter commons for evening presentations, events

32. Parking – Student, Staff, Visitors • The school has limited parking. • If you are coming to school for a meeting or to volunteer, park in a VISITOR spot. They are marked. • DO NOT PARK IN ANY SPOTS NOT MARKED AS VISITOR. • We have teachers and specialists who work at multiple building and these are their spots. • There are more cars than places to park so best advice is to always plan extra time to find a spot. • Many students drive to school. The school has a limited number of spots assigned to students. Senior Students have priority with juniors and sophomores may apply if there are spots available. There is an application process which you can find on the website. • Students without an assigned spot park along the strip (side road next to west of the school).

33. Transportation – School and Metro Bus • Students with special transportation needs may request transportation to/from school. These are the smaller yellow buses. • Coordinated with Special Needs Dept. • Bus routes are available on the website. • The Standard Yellow bus will pick up and drop off student who live along the perimeter of the island. • The Metro bus is an option for students who live on the interior of the island. These students are eligible for an ORCA card so there is no added fee for taking the bus to/from school. • The Metro bus stop is by the Admin building. After school, Metro buses wait on east side of high school.

34. May my student stay after school? • Yes, if there is a purpose. School is over for regular classes. Most students head home or to another destination. • You will see students after school: • Teachers often will be available after school for students to get questions answered. • The Library closes at 3:30. • The Commons is closed after school. • Clubs, sports, drama, music programs are active after school. • Most doors will be locked except for front door. Only during events will one set of doors to commons be unlocked. • Free Tutoring Services are held in classrooms. • Many students walk to public library to study after school.

35. “Please pick me up…drop me off” • At the front entrance (one way drive-thru) • At the flag pole (front entrance grassy area) • In front of the commons (front entrance drive, further along circle) • In the Band lot (east of building) • Room 417 (same as band lot) by stairs. This is room number for a Resource Room • B or back lot – entrance west of main entrance between school and stadium parking lot. • Stadium lot – entrance west of school • At the Public library. Some students walk there to study after school • At the Admin building. Building west of school along 86thave SE • At Crest. Entrance shared with Admin building • Boys and Girls Club. Just north of admin bldg

36. The drop off/pick up – Do’s and Don’ts • Do pick your child up using the drive through. It was designed with this in mind • When many cars arriving at same time, Do drive forward along curve all the way to the straight away. Dropping off at the beginning, right in front of school clogs up the line dramatically causing many students to be late. The 30 seconds of additional walking for your child will ensure 6-8 more kids can get dropped off at same interval. • Don’t stop to let student out until the very end of the drive through when there are cars behind you. Pull as far ahead as you can. • If the car in front of you is continuing ahead for drop off, follow behind and do not stop until car in front of you stops. • Do drop off wherever you like when it isn’t busy • Do use 10 minute parking spot if you need to chat with your child before they head off • Do use 10 minute parking if you are just dropping off an items for your child or office.

37. “I forgot…please bring” • Seasoned parents will say ‘no’ to most requests. • If item needed, you may bring item labeled with your child's name to attendance window next to office. • It will be held until student retrieves item. • The parent is responsible (via text, email or phone) to let child know there is item at attendance office to be picked up.

38. “I left it at school.” Where to look • All found items are turned into attendance office. • There currently is a rack of found clothing in main hallway • The school custodians regularly find articles of clothing. • Our students and staff also regularly turn in found items • Other items will be held at attendance office and listed in daily bulletin prior to being donated to charity.

39. “I’m hungry and don’t have any money in my lunch account” • The school has food accounts linked to students ID card. Families can keep the food account full by making payments online using Revtrak system. • See link on school website for payment. As of this publication, mobile payment isn’t yet available. • The account is updated immediately • Free and Reduced Lunch Program is available for all students in need.

40. What food/drinks are available? • Breakfast • Lunch • Snacks • Bottled water • Sports Drinks • NO soda

41. “I am not sure what my homework is…” • Teachers explain the process they use in early weeks and in the syllabus. • Call a classmate. If you don’t have anyone’s number, this is the first task for tomorrow. Feeling shy? Ask teacher to make an introduction for you. • Many teachers use schoology and post homework there after 4pm

42. “I don’t know anyone.” • Join the New Kids on the Rock Program. If you don’t see any signs, ask the ASB leaders or in the counseling department. • You may be surprised, but even students who have been here for years will feel shy about talking with people, walking into the lunchroom, calling a classmate about a missed assignment. • Join a club There are many, many clubs after school and are open to everyone. Most have a teacher there to help facilitate things. • Join a sport. Many of our sports at MIHS are ‘no cut’ and welcome beginners, non athletes to come out, have fun, spend time together. It is a great way to do something other than schoolwork together.

43. Clubs • Almost any interest is better shared than in alone. This is idea behind how clubs are formed. Some stay small and special. Others grow big and more formal. There isn’t a try-out. It is a place to come find friends with common interests. • Students may create their own club • Ask in the office for the name of the teacher in charge. • Go to the teacher to discuss your idea • See school website for the long list of ongoing clubs.

44. Sport – School year Winter Fall Spring Wrestling Boys Basketball Girls Basketball Gymnastics Boys Swim and Dive • Boys Golf • Cross Country • Boys Tennis • Football • Girls Soccer • Girls Swim Team and Drive • Volleyball • CLUB Sports • Boys Water Polo • Track and Field • Girls Tennis • Boys Soccer • Boys Swim Team and Drive • Girls Golf • Baseball CLUB Sports Boys Lacrosse Girls Lacrosse Girls Water Polo Badminton

45. Sport – Work outs • Many of our fall sports hold conditioning practices during summer. • The summer training is part of the next school year – • In preparation of the upcoming seasons • Announcements are made and forms must be turned in by date (June) to participate • Cross Country • Football • Girls Soccer • Volleyball • Boys Basketball • Girls Basketball • Gymnastics • Softball • Boys Lacrosse • Girls Lacrosse

46. Community Service • Many high school students participate in Community Service. • More of tradition than requirement • Connecting to community • Extending outreach • Parent volunteer has helped track hours in past. • Colleges view community service favorably when reviewing applications.

47. PTSA Reflections • If you are not new to public school, then you likely have heard about reflections. MIHS continues this tradition and has students participate and win in every category. Encourage your child to express themselves and compete. • PTSA Website has more information for this years competition and examples of prior winners. • Typically announced in early fall and judged in late November. • Reflection Categories: • Art • Photography • Musical Composition • Poetry • Essay

48. Running Start, College in the Classroom, Other Running Start College in Classroom Students may apply to have their class double-dip or earn both HS credit and credit from participating colleges. There is a fee and process. Only some MIHS classes are available and students learn of the opportunity from their teacher. Washington Network for Innovative Careers (WaNIC) is a regional skills center in North East King County that provides advanced-level Career and Technical Education programs based on rigorous academic and industry standards, preparing students for post-secondary education and successful entry into high-skill, high-demand careers and employment. WA State offers opportunity for students to take classes in high school fulfilling graduation requirements and at same time receive college credit.

49. Have an appointment at school? To ensure we have a safe school and know where everyone is, please follow this routine. • Park in marked spots for visitor parking in front of the school. • Use the 10 minute rule for spots right out front. • Non visitor spots in lot are assigned to teachers who work at multiple schools. • Go to front office and sign-in, put on a guest badge. Sign in includes your license plate • If you aren’t sure where to go, ask the receptionist in the office.

50. What may I do online and what in person? Almost everything may be done online • Fees • Forms to print at home, complete online • Food/lunch account • Email/contact information for staff In person • Register as a new family • Any discussion or concern on behalf of your child