District News Archives

June, 2011

District and Union have reached a tentative agreement

On June 28, 2011, the MIEA and District Bargaining Teams reached a tentative agreement on a new three-year contract. Early-release days will remain unchanged for 2011-12. Details of the settlement will be forthcoming following ratification by both parties which is expected in late August.

District and Union Still Bargaining

Bargaining teams representing the Mercer Island School District and the Mercer Island Education Association began bargaining in January of this year in order to reach a settlement on the extension to the bargaining agreement, which presently expires on August 31, 2011. More info...

Mercer Island School Board accepts landmark “check” from the Bridge the Gap team

On June 23, 2011 at the regular meeting of the Mercer Island School Board, members of the board and district administration accepted a “check” for $1.2 million from members of the Bridge the Gap team. More info...

Bridge the Gap reaches the $1 million mark!

By midnight on June 11, the Bridge the Gap campaign reached the $1 million dollars in community donations to retain teachers for next year. There is a challenge grant that will be added making the total grant $1.2 million dollars! Members from the Bridge the Gap team will be presenting the school board with "a check" on June 23, 2011 in the board room at 7:30 p.m.

Superintenent Gary Plano said, "On behalf of the students and staff of the Mercer Island School District, words cannot express our deep appreciation for all that you as a community do to help us be successful. The fact that we have raised over $1 million dollars in these challenging economic times is beyond remarkable. We are all so fortunate to work and live in a community that values its public schools. Thank you a million times!"

Elementary Summer Math Packets

Teachers have identified certain skills for students to practice over the summer months to ensure their readiness for next year's math class. Summer math packets and parent letters are available here.

2011-2012 Student Calendar

The 2011-2012 student calendar start dates and holidays/vacations is available here. The more detailed activities calendar is available here.

Mercer Island Schools Foundation Raises Record Funds to Bridge the Budget Gap at 8th Annual Breakfast

Tremendous community support results in 34% increase in giving at breakfast celebration to benefit Mercer Island public schools. More info...

Parents Support Proposed Change to Early-Release Day

Nearly 1000 parents participated in a survey designed to assess support for moving the early-release day from Monday to Wednesday and lengthening the instructional day for high school only on the early-release day. More info...

Islander Middle School’s Destination Imagination team is 13thin the world!

Islander Middle School Destination Imagination team represented Mercer Island and the State of Washington well this past week in Knoxville, Tennessee. They were among 1100 teams showcasing their solution to the 2011 structural engineering challenge titled,"Verses! Foiled Again!" More info...

Mercer Island High School spring sports teams win big!

Spring sports at MIHS concluded last week with four state titles and a third place finish! Boy's Tennis, Girl's Tennis, Girl's Golf, and Boy's Lacrosse are state champions and Boy's Golf placed third. More info...