Black History Month

2/3/2023 1:47 pm

Celebrating Black History Month in February

February is Black History Month, when we celebrate the achievements and history of African Americans past and present.  

Here are some ways you and your family can recognize and celebrate Black History Month this month and beyond and an introduction here by MIHS Black Student Union mentorship program lead Jamison Drayton:

• Participate in the Central District Passport Tour, hosted by Northwood PTA in collaboration with the Northwest African American Museum, where you can visit locations important to Seattle's Black History. Click here if you are interested in joining a group tour with other Mercer Island families.
• Read the Conscious Kid’s recently updated list here of children’s Black History books written by Black authors.
• Check out Black History in Two Minutes (or so), which features short, engaging videos about important historical events in Black history (narrated by executive producer Henry Louis Gates, Jr.). There are also Teaching Guides to accompany some of the episodes.

SSALD Playdate

2/3/2023 1:39 pm

Playdate for SSALD Students

Saturday, March 4, 2pm-4pm, West Mercer Playground

Please mark your calendars for the first SSALD (Special Services and Learning Differences) playdate for all elementary school children in the district with  special services and learning differences, including  IEPs and 504s, on Saturday, March 4, from 2pm-4 pm at the West Mercer Elementary school playground.

ECCAR Night Market

2/3/2023 1:34 pm

The ECAAR Night Market

February 12, 3pm-8pm, MIHS Commons

Mercer Island High School’s ECAAR (Education Coalition for Asian American Representation) is hosting a Night Market on Sunday, February 12, 3pm-8pm, at the MIHS Commons Area.  The event is inspired by Taiwanese night markets and will feature food sold by local Asian-owned businesses, entertainment, merchandise, games, and more!

Click here to learn more about the event. 

DEI Book Club Meeting

1/25/2023 12:41 pm

PTA DEI Book Club: How To Raise an Antiracist

February 4, 4pm Book Club Meeting

West Mercer PTA will join Northwood PTA with their book club reading of How to Raise An Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi.  Session 2 will discuss chapters 5-7 and anyone is welcome to join for our upcoming meetings. 

To receive location info, please RSVP Here.

Lunar New Year January 22

1/20/2023 10:22 am

Celebrating Lunar New Year on January 22

This year, Lunar New Year will be celebrated on January 22, when the moon will enter a new phase.  It is one of the most important holidays in some Asian countries, including China, Korea and Vietnam.  Many Asian Americans also celebrate the holiday, which is full of family traditions, including cleaning for the new year to bring good luck. 

Children's Books about MLK Jr.

1/20/2023 10:20 am

Children's Books Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. 

In honor of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day Holiday that occurred on January 16, here is a tribute and list of children’s books put together by The Conscious Kid.

Black Student Union Dinner February 9, 6pm-9pm

1/14/2023 4:23 pm

Mercer Island High School’s Black Student Union (BSU) is inviting all families in the school district who identify as Black and African American to the first annual Black Student Union Dinner on Thursday, February 9, 6pm-9pm, at the MIHS commons area.

Culture Fair Thanks

1/5/2023 11:23 am

Culture Fair Thanks

Thank you to all of our West Mercer volunteers, family table leads, and performers who made the Culture Fair a success.  We could not have had this event without your time, dedication and participation. 

Heritage Feast

12/11/2022 12:49 pm

Heritage Feast Cooking Video

Sharing food is one of the great ways that we can share our culture.  This year, as part of our 2022 Culture Fair celebration, some classrooms held their own Heritage Feast.

Here is a Cooking Video created by Carly Adams’ 5^th grade class.

If you have pictures or videos that you would like to share from the Culture Fair or Heritage Feast, please contact Soyun Chow.

Black Student Union Mentoring Program

11/18/2022 9:32 am

BSU Mentoring Program Launches at West Mercer

Pictured are BSU mentors and mentees.  Mentors are Miles Tardif, Teddy Sanchez-Alemu, Rutha Mersha, Cortez Smith, Saron Michael, Jamison Drayton and Nina Jimerson-Seddiki

Mercer Island High School Black Student Union (BSU) mentors and elementary school mentees had an introductory meeting at West Mercer Elementary on November 16.  They discussed their first project together - creating a display for the West Mercer Culture Fair.  More connections will be made this year by working on a Black History Month communication and having social gatherings. 

The next meeting will be on Wednesday, November 30, 3:15pm-4pm at the West Mercer library. 

Please contact Soyun Chow if you have questions.