November 11, 2019

The PTSA's IMS Student Directory is now available on our website!  IMPTSA members have access to an all-grade online student directory as well as specific listings for the sixth, seventh, and eighth grades.  Here’s a rundown of the important information you’ll need in the coming weeks.

IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES

“BE KIND” T-SHIRTS ON SALE THROUGH NOV. 15TH

IMS will be celebrating Kindness Week November 12-15, and the PTSA is selling “BE KIND” T-shirts to encourage kindness around the school year-round. This year’s t-shirts will feature “BE KIND” on the front and the word “kindness” in different languages across the back.

• Three color options (all with white writing):  Green, purple, and tie-dye maroon
• Solid colors start at $12. Tye-dye starts at $15. Additional charges apply for XXL and larger.
• 100% pre-shrunk cotton

EASY ORDER OPTIONS:

(1) ORDER ONLINE by clicking on the button below.  PTSA membership is not required, but you will need to create an account -- super easy! 

(2) PRINT OUT AN ORDER FORM HERE (or pick up a flyer in the IMS office).  Return the completed order form with payment (cash or check) to the IMS front office. 

Orders accepted until Friday, Nov. 15 at 8:40 am. Shirts will be distributed at the end of November.  Excess proceeds go to the PTSA Angel Program which helps IMS students in need.

MEET & GREET FOR NEW FAMILY AMBASSADOR PROGRAM – 11/12

Both our new and experienced IMS New Family Ambassador families will be meeting for their second coffee meet & greet on Tuesday, Nov. 12th from 9:30 am to 11:00 am.  Ambassador families will meet again at the Starbucks in the QFC parking lot located at 1460 NW Gilman Blvd, Issaquah, WA 98027 between 9:30-11:00 am.  Please let us know if you plan to attend by clicking here.

Questions?  Contact us at familyambassadors@issaquahmiddleptsa.org.

SOCIAL MEDIA PRESSURES AND YOUR CHILD – 11/12

On Nov. 12 at 7:00 pm, Collin Kartchner will be presenting Rise Above the Pressure of Social Media & Technologyat Sammamish Presbyterian Church.  Collin is a nationally renowned TEDx speaker, youth advocate, and founder of Save The Kids, a nonprofit dedicated to fighting social media influence on teens' mental health.  Collin’s funny, engaging, and informed take on the impact that technology is having on us — and especially on our kids — really gets through to tweens & teens. Parents & youth ages 8+ are welcome at this free event.  Sammamish Presbyterian Church, 22522 NE Inglewood Hill Road, Sammamish, WA 98074.

BECOME A PTSA MEMBER TODAY!

Even if you don’t want to volunteer at the school, becoming a PTSA member makes a lot of sense!

(1) Up-to-Date Info:  First, you get access to up-to-date information about what’s going on at IMS.  In addition to our weekly E-news, you can hear the principal personally provide updates on issues of importance to you and your child and answer questions at every monthly PTSA meeting.

(2) Get Access to the Student Directory: As a PTSA member, you get exclusive access to the online PTSA Student Directory. 

(3) Retail Benefits: Members can take advantage of discounts at state and national companies like Great Wolf Lodge, Wild Waves, Office Depot, and car rental companies including Avis, Hertz, and Budget.

(4) Your $ Support Programs for Your Child: Your membership fee and your donations help support a wide variety of PTSA programs that support and enrich our students, families, and staff members.

It’s easy to join online today – CLICK HERE!

FROM THE SCHOOL DISTRICT:  THE VOICE MENTOR PROGRAM NEEDS YOU!

Volunteers of Issaquah Changing Education (VOICE) is an in-school, volunteer mentoring program that pairs caring community members with Issaquah School District students. VOICE mentors work one-on-one with students throughout the school year. Some students may need academic help; others may need emotional support or a friend and role model. All benefit from a positive, supportive relationship with an adult role model. VOICE currently has 200+ students on the waitlist. We need mentors! Can you help? Here's what’s involved:

• Complete a screening process, including a mandatory, in-depth, pre-match training.
• Time commitment of once/week (30–60 minutes) throughout the school year. Schedule and choice of school are flexible to accommodate mentor availability.
• Optional supplemental trainings plus support provided by your mentee’s school and the VOICE team.
• Most importantly, develop a meaningful relationship with a young person and help them thrive.

If you would like to become a VOICE mentor, please apply here.  To learn more, email VOICE@issaquah.wednet.edu, view our VOICE Website, or call us at 425-837-7222.

SPECIAL INFORMATION FROM THE ISSAQUAH SCHOOLS FOUNDATION

Teacher Grants:  The Issaquah Schools Foundation provides an opportunity for all teachers to apply for grants to fund projects that enrich education, fill unmet needs, and/or serve as incubators for innovation.  Many PTSAs offer teacher grants as well, which is great!  There are times when a grant is for a larger need, may be spread to more than one school, or is simply out of a given PTSA’s budget.  The Foundation is here to support those ideas that teachers have to best support our student’s education. The Foundation’s grant process is all online and will open on November 8th.  More information can be found at http://isfdn.org/our-purpose/promoting-professional-development/grants/.

Shop for a Cause: Join the Issaquah Schools Foundation at the Golf Club at Newcastle November 14^th and get a jump on your Holiday shopping! $3 from each glassybaby and 20% of all Kendra Scott jewelry sales will be donated back to fund programs and resources for Issaquah School District students. Enjoy an evening on the Terrace (indoor) of the Calcutta Grill with friends, neighbors, and colleagues, and rally together to shop for a cause!

VOLUNTEERING AT IMS

We would love to have you consider volunteering at IMS.  All volunteers must complete the District’s online registration and be approved before they can volunteer at school.  If you were approved to volunteer last year, you still need to sign in to the District’s online system, complete the training, and update the required information.  Please remember there is a delay between completing the volunteer application and getting approval, so don’t wait till the last minute to start the process.  Click here to sign in.