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Superintendent Rundle October Community Message Highlighting Recognitions and Celebrations

Superintendent Rundle October Community Message Highlighting Recognitions and Celebrations
Fred Rundle
Superintendent Fred Rundle

Dear Mercer Island School District Families, Staff, Students, and Friends,

Mariela and Imeh, buzzing with hunger and anticipation, Brandon and Marissa, not so much. The 22 year-old first year teacher there greeting them outside portable 28, terrified and, fortunately for him, naive. That teacher’s plan, teach with as much passion and commitment as possible for five years and then go on and pursue other interests. Teaching was a calling but not a career.

Twenty-five years later, still terrified and naive, I am having as much fun and committed to students as ever. The longer I stay in this profession the less I really know. I have come to better understand that teaching is actually more about learning than anything else. The elusive quest to ensure each and every student thrives, makes a year or more of progress, and develops the self-efficacy to succeed both now and in the future fuels me. 

In John Hattie’s most recent book, Visible Learning - The Sequel (2023), he captured my sentiments more accurately, “The prime purpose of education is to help students exceed what they think is their potential. To see in students something they may not see in themselves and imbue them with our passion for learning.” We (administrators, teachers, support staff, and parents/guardians) all play a part in educating our students. It is incumbent upon us to exude belief in our children and for students to take advantage of the environment we create. This is the essence of belief.

  • Educators, we need to see our students as learners, not labels. We must get clear about why the learning is important, how we will facilitate the process, and what we expect our students to learn and be able to do as a result. Teaching should be above everything else a learning experience for both our students and us.
  • Parents, we need you to be learners even more than teachers (Hattie). What is the shared success criteria (hopes, dreams, expectations) for your children? Once this is set, join your child in the process while learning alongside them through the struggle, successes, and shortcomings.
  • Students, we need you to know we believe in you, will hold you accountable to high standards, and expect in return a commitment to learning.

My perspective of our district affords me insights into some of the most incredible successes of our students but also their areas of struggle. The commitment to continuous improvement is a value embraced by parents and educators alike. We all want the best for our students. For me, this translates to seeing our system’s failures clearer than the accomplishments. And at the same time, our educators, coaches, and students make me so proud to serve as our superintendent, as illustrated by stories from the tail-end of last school year and already starting in 2024-2025!

  • Unified Soccer - In late May the MIHS Unified Sports Soccer team qualified for the state tournament for the first time in school history. They not only competed in the tournament, but earned second place as well.  Unified Sports is an inclusive sports program that encourages athletic involvement from students of all ability levels. MIHS students with and without disabilities compete together, building athletic teams and friendships through sports. Mercer Island High School students participate in Unified Robotics, flag football, basketball and soccer.
  • Advanced Placement Achievements - A record 1,420 Advanced Placement (AP) tests were taken by MIHS students last spring, up 27% from the prior year and 104% over the past decade. Over 90% of the scores were 3 or higher, the minimum designation needed to also earn college credit. And showing an 8% jump from 2022-2023, 52% of the students were recognized as AP scholars.  
  • Slippery Penguin - Last spring, a team of seven IMS eighth graders competed in the Vex Robotics World Championships. Out of nearly 14,000 teams worldwide, only about 3% qualify for the VEX Robotics World Championship, with a much fewer 0.6% advancing to the quarterfinals. Slippery Penguin came out of the World Championship division as the highest-ranked Middle School robotics team in the entire Pacific Northwest.
     
  • National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists - Nine MIHS Class of 2025 students were announced recently as National Merit Semifinalists. After qualifying to participate in the process following the PSAT, to become a Finalist, the students must submit a detailed scholarship application, in which they provide information about their academic record, participation in school and community activities, demonstrate leadership abilities, employment, and honors and awards received. A Semifinalist must have an outstanding academic record throughout high school, be endorsed and recommended by a high school educator, write an essay, and earn SAT® or ACT® scores that confirm the student’s earlier performance on the qualifying test. Finalists will be announced later in the year, but even becoming a semifinalist is a great honor!
  • New York Times Student Podcast Awards - Two current and two former MIHS students either won or finished runner-up for their podcasts at the end of last year. The five-minute podcasts could explore any topic and were among nearly 1,100 entries from around the country.
  • MIHS Track and Field - Last spring, the MIHS girls team finished second in state and the boys team participated in state, winning KingCo for the first time since the mid 1970’s. Combined, the two teams had five individual state champions in field, short, and long distance events.
  • Telly Awards - MIHS Media Technology and Filmmaking students won two gold and two bronze Telly Awards in the 45th annual event. The Telly Awards honor excellence in video and television across all screens and is judged by leaders from video platforms, television, streaming networks, production companies.
  • Lacrosse - Both the girls and boys MIHS lacrosse teams brought home state championships last spring, adding to the continued status as perennial powerhouses in the state of Washington.  

A Challenging Year Near and Far

Though a history major in college and still interested in the discipline, I will leave it up to others to write the historical narrative about the October 7, 2023 Hamas terrorist attack on Israel.  Whereas the geopolitical underpinnings of the ongoing war is complex, what is not is the atrocity of terrorism and loss of innocent lives. Without question the horrific scenes from October 7 will continue to have a lasting impact on me. This year, October 7 falls right between two significant Jewish holidays (see below), and will be the one year anniversary of the attack, making this Monday an emotional day for many.

I am privileged in my role to meet, talk to, and learn from people across Mercer Island. My perspective has been enhanced by Muslim, Jewish and Christian Islanders as well as those with direct and indirect ties to the many countries in the war torn region. Admittedly, we share varying opinions about the formal military actions by all sides, but I do not recall a single conversation that endorsed the killing of innocent civilians regardless of their religion or nationality. 

We are a diverse community. As reported by families, 643 Islander students speak 49 primary languages other than English. We represent home countries from around the globe and all corners of the United States. And while we neither ask for nor collect religious information, we know this too contributes to our diversity. Following the October 7 attack last year, I expressed to you my concern that the escalating conflict turned war was not likely to end soon, and, thus, would have ripple effects in our own community. I want to push for a continued commitment to unify and model for our students that despite our differences, we are Islanders. 

Our schools play a unique role in promoting togetherness. Every day, we have the opportunity to facilitate civil discourse, teach students how to disagree with one another respectfully, and model how to be a part of a shared community. We do this in a way that balances student safety, rights, and learning with the impacts of global news at their fingertips 24/7. When the emotional or physical safety of our students is put in jeopardy, I remind everyone of our Say Something partnership, a unique way for our students to anonymously report threats or safety concerns.  

Even as I prepare this letter, I am seeing news headlines describing increasing conflict, but personally, I remain hopeful that a peaceful resolution can be reached soon. Just as we try to do each day, we will do our part here in our schools to build community and understanding by fostering safe and supportive learning environments. 

October Celebrations and Recognitions

Rosh Hashanah - Rosh Hashanah is the Jewish New Year and will be celebrated beginning at sundown on October 2 and ending after nightfall on October 4. Rosh Hashanah is the first High Holiday in the Jewish faith and marks the beginning of the "Days of Atonement," which end ten days later with Yom Kippur, the "Day of Atonement." Rosh Hashanah commemorates the birth of the universe and is a time for self-examination, repentance, and making amends with others, and as a broad theme, Rosh Hashanah emphasizes spiritual growth and community.

Yom Kippur - October 11-12 - Also known as the Day of Atonement, Yom Kippur is the holiest day in Judaism. It typically falls in September or October, 10 days after Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. Yom Kippur is observed with fasting, prayer, and reflection, focusing on atonement for sins and seeking forgiveness. The main observance includes a 25-hour fast, during which no food or drink is consumed, as well as intensive prayer services throughout the day. Yom Kippur emphasizes self-examination, repentance, and reconciliation with others. Many people also seek to mend broken relationships and make amends during this time. The day concludes with the Ne'ilah service and the sounding of the shofar, marking the end of the fast and the solemn day.

Disability History and Awareness Month - Mercer Island School District joins other Washington public schools to promote educational activities that provide instruction, awareness, and understanding of disability history and people with disabilities. The activities may include, but not be limited to, school assemblies or guest speaker presentations.

Indigenous People’s Day - October 14 - President Biden recognized the first Indigenous People's Day by proclamation on October 11, 2021. This day is a time to honor and celebrate the rich histories, diverse cultures, and invaluable contributions of Native American people in the United States.

Diwali - October 31 - Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is a major Hindu festival celebrated by millions around the world. It usually lasts for five days and symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and good over evil. The festival typically involves lighting oil lamps (diyas), decorating homes with rangoli (colorful designs made from powders or flower petals), and exchanging gifts and sweets. Celebrations include fireworks, prayers, family gatherings, and festive meals. It's a time of joy, renewal, and community bonding.

In addition to wishing our Jewish community members well on the beginning of Rosh Hashanah tonight, I want to highlight that today is National Custodian Day. I appreciate all the hard work of our custodians who maintain our schools, facilitate successful learning environments, and keep our buildings clean and running in tip top shape. If you or your student happens to see one of our custodians this week, please take a moment to thank them for all they do.  

Sincerely, 

Fred Rundle

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