September 23, 2019

It’s time for our first general membership meeting of the year on Wednesday, Sept. 25th from 10:30 am to noon in the IMS Commons.  Please come meet other parents, learn what's going on at IMS, hear the principal answer questions, and learn about how the PTSA is making IMS a better school.  Here’s a rundown of the important information you’ll need in the coming weeks.

IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES

THE FIRST PTSA MEETING OF THE YEAR – 9/25

BUY YOUR PREPAID PARKING SPACE FOR SALMON DAYS TODAY! – 10/5-6

The Issaquah Salmon Days Festival is almost here!  Don’t get stuck without a parking spot for this popular event – secure your space now.  The Issaquah Middle PTSA is selling pre-paid tickets at $10.00 each for a reserved parking space in the Issaquah High and Issaquah Middle School parking lots (Saturday & Sunday, October 5th & 6th from 10:00 am - 6:00 pm).  Click HERE to buy your parking space now!

Questions?  Contact salmondays@issaquahmiddleptsa.org.

SALMON DAYS COMMUNITY SERVICE OPPORTUNITY!! – 10/5-6

It's the 50th anniversary of Salmon Days and again this year, we are partnering with the high school for a Salmon Days parking fundraiser, October 5th and 6th.  We need your help!  Sign up for a two-hour shift at the school that weekend.  If you're a parent of a 7th grader or 8th grader who needs community service hours, bring them with you.  This is a great way for dads, grandparents, working parents, and parents new to the school to get involved.  It's fun, easy, and you will get free SalmonDays parking for your family!!  SIGN-UP HERE!  Contact salmondays@issaquahmiddleptsa.org with questions.

PARENT EDUCATION PRESENTATION ON NEURO-DIVERSITY – 10/22

Is your child normal? New ParentWiser talk!  Meet and hear Jonathan Mooney on speaking tour for his new book, Normal Sucks! With humor, knowledge, and hope, Mooney speaks on neuro-diversity, how we should stop fixing people and start empowering them. He gives hope for anyone who learns differently, emphasizing the impact of supportive teaching and parenting. Join us Oct. 22nd at 7:00 pm at Skyline High School.  REGISTER HERE!

HAVING PROBLEMS WITH FAMILY ACCESS?

Family Access provides parents important information about their student’s progress at school and class information.  If you’re having problems accessing or using the Family Access system, please attend one of the help sessions being held this week: 

Help session will include support on how to:

• Check your child’s grades in middle and high school
• Maintain contact through school communications via Skyward
• Access teacher websites and assignments
• Check attendance, lunch balance, report cards, and test scores
• Download and set-up the Family Access App on your smartphone

Interpreters will be available in Spanish and Mandarin.  If you need an interpreter in another language, please contact Lorna Gilmour gilmourl@issaquah.wednet.edu.

 Click here for information flyer

CHECK OUT THE AMAZON SMILE PROGRAM  

Did you know that Amazon will donate a percentage of every eligible AmazonSmile purchase to the Issaquah Middle PTSA -- same products, same prices, and same service. It couldn’t be easier, and it doesn’t cost you a thing!

1. Go to smile.amazon.com

2. Select “Issaquah Middle PTSA” as your preferred organization

3. Each time you shop, just start at smile.amazon.com instead of amazon.com. You can set a bookmark to make it easy.

For more information, contact Kelly Finkbeiner or Jennie Kim at waysmeans@issaquahmiddleptsa.org. Thank you!

THE NEW FAMILY AMBASSADOR PROGRAM

Transitioning to a new school and community can be overwhelming for parents and students alike.  The Issaquah Middle PTSA would love to ease your transition by matching you with an experienced IMS parent to answer your questions.  To be paired with a New Family Ambassador, please contact us at familyambassadors@issaquahmiddleptsa.org, and we will match you with an existing IMS parent.  Questions?  Contact us at the same e-mail address.

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!

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.