Dear Island Park Families:

Spring is here. What a difference one year makes. Last year we were hunkering down at home, trying to understand the effect the pandemic would have on learning while conjuring up instructional models that would sustain students until we returned to buildings. After numerous learning plan iterations and instructional pivots, we now find ourselves in a more stable hybrid model that will carry us to the summer. Though not perfect, the elementary model allows us to take pride in knowing that we were able to offer Mercer Island students the opportunity to return to school facilities sooner and more extensively than many of our neighboring districts. Thank you for your incredible support, encouragement, and understanding. I can’t wait for the day when all of us are back together, every day—all day, healthy and more aware of social studies and math than social distancing and masks.

A few safety items to take note of:

Thank you for completing health attestation forms before sending your child(ren) off to school. By completing the form by 8:30 a.m., we are better prepared to greet students and get them started on their learning day.

Thank you for making sure students don’t arrive on campus earlier than 9 a.m. when supervision begins.

The parking lot and front area of the school can be a busy place before and after school. We appreciate everyone slowing down and driving carefully.

Thank you for following the directions of school crossing guards, traffic flow assistants, and car greeters. Be sure to remind walkers and bikers to cross at designated cross walks, and when possible, with the assistance of a crossing guard.

Thank you for coming to the front sidewalk to meet your child, if you park in the staff parking lot. Students should never be unaccompanied in the parking lot.

Finally, we are registering kindergarteners for next year. If you know anyone who will be sending their child to kindergarten at Island Park in September, please encourage them to go online and submit the paperwork now. This helps us determine staffing needs for the fall. This holds true for any grade. It is never too early to register new students.

Thank you again supporting your children and school. Brighter and warmer days are ahead!

Stay safe and healthy.
Respectfully, David Hoffman

Island Park is one of four elementary schools in the Mercer Island School District. It is located in the middle of the island, at 5437 Island Crest Way.

Principal David Hoffman and Associate Principal Lisa Deen lead a staff of 65 who serve approximately 425 students. We are host of the district's English Language Learners (ELL) program and Personalized Learning Program (PLP) for students with special learning needs. Other special programs include a Special Education Resource Room; Counseling, LAP (remedial reading); technology integrated classrooms; music, art, Spanish, library, and PE specialists; technology TOSAs; a tuition-based foreign language program; student council; before school choir, band and orchestra programs; and after school clubs including chess and art clubs.

Island Park Elementary was awarded the Washington Overall Achievement Award in 2009-2014 and was recognized with achievement awards in science and math for the 2011-2012 school year. Island Park was also a designated King County "Level III Green School" in the spring of 2012.

Island Park uses district adopted curriculum as the foundation for its instructional program. Individual teachers and/or grade level teams assess students' needs and adapt instruction as necessary for learning to occur. Teachers frequently integrate material from several disciplines to make learning more meaningful for students.