Mercer Family Bulletin
September 16, 2022
Contact Us
Attendance: mercerms.attendance@seattleschools.org (206)-252-8004
Website: https://mercerms.seattleschools.org/
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UPCOMING DATES
September 16-21 Schedule changes for electives only facilitated by counselors
Week of September 19 Locker distribution for 6th and 7th graders. 8th graders will have the option of using a locker.
September 19 Laptop distribution in Science class.
September 20 PTSA community meeting 6:30-8:30 PM on ZOOM
Mercer PTSA is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84570759123?pwd=TjVOcGNmMXVNekJ6Vnd1dWlNOUZpUT09
September 23 Grade level assemblies in the auditorium
September 29 Open House in the cafeteria: 5:15-5:45PM for families who have students in our multilingual program and Kingmakers program and 6-7:30PM for all families
October 14 State in-service day (No school)
October 24 and 25 Picture day- details to come
November 11 Veteran's Day (no school)
November 29 Picture Re-take day
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Greetings from Principal, Sherrie Encarnacion
Dear Mercer Families,
What a positive first week of school this has been! With the help of a group of parent/guardian volunteers, District staff, and our own Mercer staff, we welcomed a little less than 900 students and helped them get their schedules and guided them to their classes. It was so wonderful to see your scholars meeting up with friends, navigating the hallways, learning about our Mercer procedures, having lunch outside, and asking questions. It is such a joy to be in community with one another.
We are also so thankful to our Mercer families who brought donuts, coffee, and other goodies this week. It has been so great for our staff to be altogether again sharing treats, telling stories, and checking in with one another. Your generosity as a community is always greatly appreciated!
This bulletin has lots of information, so please be sure to keep it for reference.
In partnership,
Sherrie Encarnacion, Principal
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A Message From Our Grade Level Counselors
Here at Mercer, each school counselor supports one grade level with everything from schedule changes to social emotional support and academic development. We support the whole school with activities such as: guidance curriculum on college and career development and middle school success skills, bully prevention and social-emotional skill development.
In 8th grade, Mrs. Bradley delivers lessons to students about making the transition to high school. As you think about your plans for high school and need help with filing out forms and requesting transcripts, please contact Mrs. Bradley with requests for school records and assistance with teacher recommendations if your high school requires this.
School counselors also meet with students regularly to help problem solve, resolve conflict, and support their academic progress. We may also provide information about community wellness resources.
We are so excited to get to know you and your students this year!
Ms. Virginia, 6th grade
(206) 252-8014, vaandrews@seattleschools.org
Mrs. Chappelle, 7th grade
(206) 252-8015, ajaustinchap@seattleschools.org
Mrs. Bradley, 8th grade (Monday-Thursday)
(206) 252-8042, thbradley@seattleschools.org
Student and Family Handbook
From the Introduction:
Welcome to the 2022-23 School Year! Our recently updated Mercer Vision is to empower students so that they can contribute and confidently engage with their communities. These communities include their current school community as well as their family community, their neighborhood community, and beyond. As a school, our goal is to ultimately support our students as they make a positive impact in their current and future communities, whatever those may be.
I believe in all our students’ abilities to succeed and to thrive in the Mercer Community as we move forward with our goal of achieving education equity, while incorporating restorative practices. Our school staff will be working together to learn about restorative practices to create a trusting, strong community that knows and cares for one another. We have updated our student handbook with a restorative lens and will be offering professional development for our staff on what it means to be a restorative community and how relationships are built through strong social emotional learning competencies.
In support of our vision, our goals for this year are to recognize the diversity of our students and staff, to partner with families and communities, to focus on the continued academic growth of our students, and to provide high quality instruction throughout. I am so excited to see what this school year brings.
In partnership,
Sherrie Encarnacion, Principal
sencarnacion@seattleschools.org
Here is a link to our new handbook. We are building common language and common expectations with our students. Please review items as a family.
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Electronics and technology Expectations: Turned off and not visible
To support the safety of our students and preserve our sacred learning spaces, students may only use their electronics before and after school and during their lunch time. We will reach out to parents/guardians for support if their student cannot manage their devices appropriately. Please share this expectation with your student; our partnership is paramount! If you need to contact your student, they will be able to check texts at the appropriate times and you can always call the office to get a message to them: 206-252-8000. Please contact your student's counselor if you need an exception for us to consider. Thank you for working together!
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Student Schedules: Change Requests September 16-21
Starting Friday, September 16th, students may request schedule changes in ELECTIVE classes ONLY. A message to students:
- Requests for changes are not guaranteed.
- Changes are approved based on space availability.
- You may pick up schedule change forms in the cafeteria. Additional forms for 8th graders are available in Room 209 (8th grade counselor/admin office).
- Submit 6th grade forms to room 125
- Submit 7th grade forms to the main office.
- Submit 8th grade forms to the bin on Mrs. Bradley's office door in room 209. DEADLINE to request a schedule change: Wed, September 21st.
- If you submit a request form, continue with your current schedule until you hear from your counselor.
Teacher Assistants (TA) Applications - 8th graders only.
TA application forms are available in the 8th Grade Counseling office in Room 209 on the table (See signs).
· You can only be a TA during one of your elective periods.
· Students in instrumental music, world language, dual immersion or math empowerment cannot drop these courses to become a TA.
· The TA position is for 8th grade students in good standing. Academic, attendance and behavior records are reviewed and factored into final decisions.
· Submit your completed request forms into the bin on Mrs. Bradley's office door (Room 209).
· If you submit a TA application, continue with your current schedule until you hear from me.
If you have questions, send your counselor a message on Schoology, see them at lunch in the cafeteria, or visit them in their office.
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Mercer's Bell Schedule
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Reminder: Arrival and Dismissal Procedures
- No parking in the Mercer parking lot from the hours of 8:30AM-9AM and 3:15PM-4:00PM. Please be patient and work together. If you want to park after school, please see the map and walk to school to pick up your student. Thank you!
- Arrival: In the morning, supervision and breakfast starts at 8:30AM. Students will hangout outside until the first bell at 8:45AM when they are allowed to go to their lockers. Lockers will be distributed the week of Sept. 19. Students should bring a jacket on chilly and rainy days. First period starts at 8:55AM.
- 16th Ave- No parking in the bus and van load zone from 3:15-4PM. This is located next to our building. Please keep this area safe for students who ride school transportation. You can park north on 16th and have your student walk to you.
- Dismissal: Supervision ends at 3:55. For safety, students should be off campus by 3:55.
- All visitors inside of the building need to check into the main office to sign in and wear a visitor's badge.
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School Supplies
-6th grade science: Students need a one inch , 3 ring binder. Please let your teacher know if you are unable to get one.
-Everyone needs a backpack.
-Laptops will be distributed on Monday and will need to be brought to school charged and ready to go every day.
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Safety: Evacuation Drill and CLOSED Campus
We held an evacuation drill today. Students had practiced evacuation routes to the field on Wednesday and Thursday and they were quiet, orderly, and attentive during our drill. We were able to evacuate and check our entire school in less than 7 minutes. Not bad for a first practice! Students will always evacuate to their period 1 class. If you are ever on campus during a drill, please follow our lead. Thank you.
We are also closed to any food delivery except by a parent/guardian. Please help your student to plan ahead for lunches.
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A Message from Athletics Coordinator, Ms. Bautista
Contact information: jpbautista@seattleschools.org
Room #103
SPORTS UPDATE:
Sports Registration is OPEN
FALL SPORTS – Starting Sept. 20th
Sept. 2022 – Nov. 2022
· Girls Soccer
· Co-Ed Ultimate Frisbee
There are 2 steps when registering for sports.
1) Complete your forms at: https://seattleschools-wa.finalforms.com/
· Follow the prompts to create your account, create your students and sign your forms.
2) Turn in a Physical Examination and Clearance Form
· Must be signed and dated by the Doctor on the Seattle Public Schools Form
· Physical Forms are good for two years
Thank you for your assistance in streamlining our paperwork processes at Mercer International Middle School.
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PTSA Community Meeting on Zoom: Sept. 20 at 6:30PM
Mercer PTSA is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Join Zoom Meeting
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Meeting ID: 845 7075 9123
Passcode: 2022
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Meeting ID: 845 7075 9123
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Find your local number: https://us06web.zoom.us/u/kRvC9voL
When
Tuesday Sep 20, 2022 ⋅ 6:30pm – 8:30pm (Pacific Time - Los Angeles)
Location
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Have questions? Reach out to parents:
- Anetria McCraney: anetriamcc@gmail.com
- Emijah Smith: ashantimichai@gmail.com