Respect and Responsibilities

Mutual Respect and Shared Responsibility Commitments - Students

We, the students of Mercer Island High School, in order to improve the atmosphere of respect, shall strive to abide by this code of conduct.

1. In order to foster respect within the student body, we the students pledge to adhere to the highest standards of etiquette by strengthening cross-grade relationships through the elimination of discrimination based on age, race, gender, sexual preference, or ability.

2. In order to maintain the cleanliness and integrity of the MIHS campus, we the students commit to preventing vandalism and the denigration of school property. Furthermore, we shall maintain the beauty of our school by not littering and cleaning up after ourselves.

3. In order to uphold the value of respect for our administrators, teachers, and substitutes, we the students agree to be punctual and to exhibit appropriate behavior toward school faculty and staff. Moreover, we the members of the student body acknowledge that faculty and staff members act in our best interests.

4. In order to uphold the ideals of good sportsmanship, we the students of Mercer Island High School promise to show respect for all participants, referees, and fans. In addition, we pledge to both support our school and all of its activities, and to nurture healthy competition between schools.

Reaffirmed October, 2016

Mutual Respect and Shared Responsibility Commitments - Mercer Island PTA

The Mercer Island PTA Council has adopted the following commitments, and commends them to all parents:

As parents cooperating to promote the success of our children and youth, we will strive to:

• Believe in all students’, teachers’, administrators’ and parents’ best intentions;
• Respect teachers’ and staff’s time and space;
• Direct questions to the source.

Reaffirmed by PTA Council on September 14, 2016.  

Mutual Respect and Shared Responsibility Commitments - Mercer Island Education Association

The Mercer Island Education Association has adopted the following commitments, and commends them to all teachers and school staff:

The Executive Board and the Representative Council of the Mercer Island Education Association values and takes responsibility for contributing to a respectful climate in our district. Towards that end, we commit to:

• Provide assistance to members on effective communication with parents through the venues available to the Association – newsletters, meetings, Association training etc;
• Develop a flow chart of where parents take issues/questions when they lie outside the classroom (curriculum adoption/content, textbooks, calendar etc);
• Work within the Association to foster the belief that everyone – parents, administrators, board members, staff and students – are operating with the best intentions.

Mutual Respect and Shared Responsibilities - Leadership Team Commitment

Leadership Team members will:Keep the best interest of students first;

• Act in a benevolent, honest, open, reliable and competent manner;
• Value distributive leadership as a way to empower others;
• Balance the desire for individuals to act autonomously with the shared goals, mission and vision of the schools and school district;
• Communicate regularly with stakeholders;
• Assume positive presuppositions when working with others;
• Honor and value diverse opinions and perspectives;
• Model genuine curiosity by leaning into conversations as a way to participate in and resolve challenges; and
• Go to the source of concern when confronted with a problem. 

Affirmed on March 28, 2017 by Leadership Team

Mutual Respect and Shared Responsibility Commitments - Mercer Island School Board

The Mercer Island School Board commits to:Clearly defining and supporting board process, roles and expectations in policies regarding Board Governance, Operational Expectations, Board/Superintendent Relations, and Ends desired for students;

• Actively linking with all stakeholder groups in the community;
• Listening openly until we thoroughly understand all points of view;
• Communicating honestly and directly, while respecting the channels of authority as outlined in governance policies;
• Believing in students’, parents’, teachers’, staffs’, administrators’ and community members’ best intentions;
• Trusting decisions made by members of the Superintendent's staff;
• As a first step, when confronted with a concern or complaint, encouraging a person to approach and communicate with the source of the concern or compliment;
• Demonstrating sensitivity to resources, human and financial, required for any initiative;
• Acknowledging the contributions and efforts of all members of the community, regardless of position and point of view.

Revised by the Board of Directors January 10, 2008

Mutual Respect and Shared Responsibilities - Central Office Team Commitments

Central Office Team members will:

• work to ensure we all keep the best interest of students first.
• act civilly and respectfully towards one another.
• communicate in a responsive and respectful manner that supports a team approach.
• ensure we keep information confidential regarding families, students and district employees.
• demonstrate trust and confidence in our colleagues to perform their roles as support staff and administration.
• go to the source of concern when confronted with an issue by speaking directly with the person(s) responsible for the concern.

Affirmed: 1/25/17