Summer is almost here and so badly needed. It has been a trying spring, to say the least. A pandemic, closed schools, and now another senseless African American death.  We have had to have important and sensitive conversations with our children, and each other, about these two dangerous viruses, invisible by definition, devastating in their physical impact—one, biological in nature, the other an insidious human construct. 

Across the U.S. and in our local area, the deaths of Black Americans and the protests of these past days have underscored the obligation of our school community to be actively anti-racist, working every day toward realizing District Fundamental 7: Foster and embrace diversity, inclusiveness, and equity, with a focus on respect and acceptance of every student.  

If you have not already done so, I encourage you to read the Superintendent's Message sent to all our Mercer Island School District families earlier this week.  Contained in her message were resources linked here, which may support your family as you talk with your children about social justice and anti-racism.

Our Island Park teachers will continue to engage students in age-appropriate discussions about inclusiveness, social justice, racial bias, and other related issues.  As Superintendent Colosky notes in her message, this is too important to be met with silence: â€œEvery child and adult in our community should be safe, seen, valued, and dignified.”

As the end of our school year draws to a close and summer brings some badly needed warmth, I hope you will continue to partner with the Mercer Island School District and Island Park in this always important equity work.

Respectfully,

David Hoffman

As we prepare for the new school year, it is important for us to know how many students to expect and how many classes will be needed at each grade level.

If your student(s) will NOT be returning to Island Park next year, please let Carol Siebert know as soon as possible. If your student(s) will return, you do not need to do anything.  If you have moved to another home on Mercer Island, please let her know that as well, and she will be happy to help you with the proper documentation.

Due to coronavirus, a delivery date for yearbooks is still to be determined.  We will send an update as soon as we have any new information.

This spring fundraising campaign has replaced our Breakfast of Champions this year. We are sorry we can't be together to celebrate our wonderful schools. Please take a moment to support our students, teachers, and schools.  Many employers will match gifts. Click to see if your gift qualifies for a corporate match.

Members of the Mercer Island School District staff will be taking time to talk about mental health, specifically sensory approaches to self-regulation during these challenging times.  This live webinar is intended to support students, families, and community members with understanding:

1. How do the sensory systems impact meltdowns and our ability to feel calm?

2. What can sensory-based dys-regulation look like?

3. What can we do in the moment?

4. How can we promote a sense of calm on an ongoing basis?

There will also be time for participants to ask questions as it relates to this topic and its connection to learning going forward during school closure.  Additional information regarding the webinar can be found below or here.