Help Students Find Their VOICE: Become a Volunteer Mentor
The VOICE Mentor program is a school-based program that pairs community volunteers with students who need a little extra help to succeed. The commitment involves meeting for 30 minutes to one hour a week throughout the school year, on school premises during school hours. Because of the pandemic, VOICE lost several mentors when the need was greater than ever. VOICE operates in all 26 schools in the Issaquah School District and serves students in K-12. Pre-pandemic, the program served 465 students and still had waitlists at every school. The need is even more now, and the program would love your help. The VOICE Mentor program provides robust training and support throughout the year and is flexible with scheduling.
VOICE is certified as an Expert Partner with MENTOR National. The program met nearly 100% of the criteria required for this designation. VOICE also recently became certified in Disability Inclusion. Proof of vaccination is required, along with a volunteer background check.
For more information, visit issaquah.wednet.edu/academics/programs/voice, contact voice@issaquah.wednet.edu, or call 425-837-7222.
Reminder: ISD School Buildings Remain Closed to the Public
Based on direction from the Issaquah School District (ISD) and the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), the public is not permitted to enter local school buildings. When dropping off late or picking students up early, pull your vehicle to the curb and call the school’s main office. School staff will instruct parents on the next steps. Additionally, do not drop off students without first calling the office. All ISD building doors are locked, preventing entry, and students could be locked out. Allow extra time as wait times may take longer than anticipated.
Issaquah Middle School PTSA Salmon Days Parking Fundraiser
Support the Issaquah Middle School (IMS) Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) by parking at IMS, located at 600 2nd Ave. SE, or Issaquah High School, located at 700 2nd Ave. SE, during Salmon Days on Oct. 2-3. Your $10 donation will support school-wide programing. IMS parents and student volunteers will staff parking lots during event hours.
2021-2022 Free School Lunches for All Students
The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently announced the extension of free meal service for all students. Schools will now offer free school meals to all children, regardless of household income, through June 2022. Get more information here.
Q&A for Families New to U.S. Schools
The Issaquah School District Cultural and Family Partnerships team will host a virtual Q&A for families new to American school systems, including cultural- and language-diverse families, to learn where to get answers, who to ask for help, and what resources are available to students. Join one of two sessions on Oct. 13 at 10:30 a.m. or 7 p.m. via Zoom. Interpreters are available. Get more information here. Questions? Email Lorna Gilmour, ISD equity and family partnerships specialist, at gilmourl@issaquah.wednet.edu.
Power Packs are Back
The pandemic has been tough on everyone, and some people might need help to get by. The Issaquah School District and the Issaquah Food & Clothing Bank are restarting the Power Packs program for the 2021-2022 school year. Schools will send home a weekly bag of non-perishable food for students. Contact your student’s school counselor to register. Get more information, including how to donate to the Power Packs program, here.
Tracie Jones is an Issaquah Highlands resident.
