Programs

Mercer Island PTA Council oversees several programs that support the Mercer Island Community:

Mercer Island Community Scholarship Program

The Mercer Island Community Scholarship Program is a long-standing Island tradition that awards scholarships to 27 MIHS graduating seniors each spring. This scholarship program is administered by the MI PTA Council in collaboration with the MIHS Administration, MIHS PTA, and the greater MI community. For more information on the MI Community Scholarship Program visit our homepage.

Graduate Grams Fundraising Campaign

For the past 30 years, family, friends, and community organizations have sent Graduate Grams to MI students completing 5th, 8th and 12th grades to acknowledge their graduation. Each Grad Gram is printed on parchment paper, personalized with a congratulatory message, and mailed directly to the graduate’s home. Grad Grams go on sale in April of each year. All proceeds from the Grad Gram sales support the Mercer Island Community Scholarship Program.

Reflections

Reflections is a National PTA arts recognition program that helps students explore their own thoughts, feelings, and ideas, develop artistic literacy, increase confidence, and find a love for learning that will help them become more successful not only in school but in life. PTA Council offers a Reflections program for local PTAs within the Mercer Island School District. The Reflections competition kicks off in early fall in each school with an entry deadline by late November/early December.

Nancy Schaps Memorial Grant

The Nancy Schaps Memorial Grant was established in memory of Nancy Schaps in 1996. The grant recognizes Mercer Island youth who have suffered the death of a parent or who are currently experiencing the terminal illness of a parent. The grant also recognizes Mercer Island youth who have a parent serving on active military duty. A grant of up to $500 is given out to elementary, middle, or high school students to be used for an activity or other purpose that supports their adjustment to this difficult life change.

Parent Edge

Mercer Island Parent Edge is a non-profit organization that is part of the Mercer Island PTA Council. Parent Edge coordinates events and programs for parents, educators, and the Mercer Island community to share knowledge and encourage dialogue on everyday issues impacting families. Parent Edge is a year-round program hosting events throughout the school year.

PTA Council Awards

Each year PTA Council in partnership with each school’s PTA organization selects and awards outstanding volunteers, educators, and community partners for their dedication and amazing contributions to our school communities. The PTA Council Awards have been given out since 1984. The awards event is held annually in late spring and hosted by the MI PTA Council organization.