Vote yes on levy

As our community prepares to vote on the upcoming school levy, I urge my fellow Mercer Island residents to vote “Yes.” While many discussions focus on class offerings and technology, we must recognize the heartbeat of our classrooms: our paraprofessionals.

Paraprofessionals are the unsung heroes of the Mercer Island School District. They provide the targeted, one-on-one support that allows students with diverse learning needs to thrive. Whether they are helping a child master a difficult math concept, providing emotional regulation support, or ensuring our inclusion programs actually work, para-pros make differentiated instruction possible.

Without them, the burden on lead teachers increases, and the quality of education for every student in the classroom suffers. A “Yes” vote ensures we can continue to recruit and retain the skilled staff who keep our student-to-educator ratios effective.

The state prototypical model currently provides funding for 7 paraeducators; our district employs 53.34. Maintaining the current level of paraprofessionals is paramount. It is our commitment to the idea that every child on this island deserves the support they need to succeed. Our para-pros are essential to that mission.

They show up every day for our children. On election day, let’s show up for them. Please join me in voting “Yes” on Prop 1

Helen Weyant, Mercer Island

Support the levy

The wide variety of business courses offered at Mercer Island High School has taught me how to think creatively, problem-solve strategically, and develop a business mindset that will set me up for long term success. Through hands-on coursework, I’ve gained real world skills such as professional communication, collaboration, and critical thinking that give me a strong foundation compared to many students my age. These experiences have already given me an upper hand as I prepare to enter the job market and pursue opportunities beyond high school.

In these classes, I’ve learned how to effectively use professional tools like PowerPoint and Word to clearly communicate ideas, analyze information, and present solutions. Skills that are essential in nearly every career. I’ve also learned how to turn ideas into actionable plans by understanding the structure, responsibilities, and regulations involved in starting and managing a business.

That is why it is so important that this levy passes. Without it, valuable business courses are at risk, limiting future students’ ability to explore career pathways and gain the skills necessary to succeed in the job market. Passing this levy ensures that students like myself continue to receive an education that prepares us for the future and equips us to thrive in the business world.

Jonathan Anderson, Mercer Island

Thanks to robotics

For the last four years, I have been a proud member of the Mercer Island Robotics Team. Each year, we compete in the FIRST Robotics Competition, an international challenge where teams build a robot for a different game each year. FIRST also promotes several core values, including innovation, fun, discovery, impact, and gracious professionalism.

My time on the team has truly shaped the person I am today. Thanks to robotics, I’m equipped with the skills needed to succeed in manufacturing and engineering. The team prepares you for the real world, with tight deadlines, real products, and opportunities for leadership and teamwork.

If you don’t believe me, take it from my teammates:

“[In robotics,] I’ve met a lot of great people.”

“[Robotics gave me] a place to belong.”

“[Robotics] better prepared me to pursue engineering past high school.”

“[Robotics] taught me about working with a large team of people.”

Robotics is for everyone. New members need no previous experience, although the courses at MIHS and IMS provide an excellent foundation. IMS offers Introduction, Intermediate, and Advanced Robotics courses. MIHS also offers robotics, including an Advanced Robotics course that is project-based, and students can focus on skills in electrical, mechanical, design, and programming. Having taken all of those courses, I have come into the club prepared, confident, and capable, and I hope future students will have that opportunity too. I owe those classes much of my success.

It is my hope that the courses at the middle and high school will remain available to students for years to come, and that the program will continue to thrive, allowing more students to reap the benefits of involvement in STEM programs such as this one. In the spirit of FIRST, impact, and gracious professionalism, vote yes for the levy and support our students.

Amelia Bernson, Mercer Island

Love thy radio station

When I first joined the KMIH radio station my freshman year of high school, I didn’t know what to expect. I had heard about this program from a few friends and decided to give it a try, assuming it would just be talking on the radio and completing assignments. Little did I know that it would shape the rest of my high school experience.

Throughout my time in the program, I’ve acquired a diverse range of skills, including creating public service announcements on significant topics, identifying the most reliable news sources, conducting interviews with celebrities, and exploring my passion for programming music. Music has always been a part of my life, and KMIH has provided me with the opportunity to contribute to shaping the music played on the radio and introducing listeners to songs that have had a profound impact on my life.

Another focal point of the program is the opportunity to create podcasts. Students are allowed to discuss any topic they choose, rather than being limited by a traditional curriculum. If a student wants to discuss Pokémon, global news, athletes’ mental health, or anything else they are passionate about, KMIH gives them that opportunity.

Radio has taught me, and many others, valuable life lessons that I will carry with me forever. The ability to think on the spot, be creative, speak in public, have meaningful conversations, and so much more. I urge you to vote for this levy so other students can have the same opportunities and experiences I did.

Brooke Newell, Mercer Island