Recently, I had the pleasure of hearing Dan O’Neill, founder of Mercy Corps, speak.  During the course of his talk about the importance of giving back and acting locally, he used the phrase “psychic income” to describe the benefit the giver receives when a cash donation or donation of time is given.  I loved the phrase and have been rolling it around in my brain ever since.  It feels good to give and to know you are making a difference in the world.

     All of us have unique opportunities to give locally at Issaquah Middle School this holiday season.  The PTSA’s Angel program provides a $125.00 Target gift card to some of our most struggling students to buy shoes, clothing, a warm coat, or school supplies, essentials any child needs to come to school ready to learn.  This year we have raised nearly $6,000 to help our neediest kids, and with your help we can do even more.  The struggling economy has hurt many families at IMS, but those closest to the poverty line feel the recession most seriously.  If you feel compelled, join our Angel family: go to www.issaquahmiddleptsa.org and sign in to your account to give.  If you haven’t had a chance to create a family account on our new website, this is also a great opportunity to do so.  If you’d rather send a check in to school, please make it payable to IM PTSA and indicate on the Memo line “Angel program,” a restricted line item in our budget. 
     If monetary donations are not in the cards for your family this year and you have attended a Walkabout training, please go on line and sign up to do Walkabout.  The smile and security you provide our students before school, during lunches and after school makes a critical difference for our students and staff at Issaquah Middle School, and the connections forged with other parents as you walk around are invaluable.  You can reach the Walkabout site at www.issaquahmiddleptsa.org or from the school’s website at http://www.ims.issaquah.wednet.edu/.
     Happy Holidays to all of our Issaquah Middle family.  I am thankful to be a part of such a warm, generous, supportive school community.
 
Sincerely,
Kristen