Message From Superintendent Rundle on Start of School, September Recognitions, School Shooting in Georgia, 25-26 & 26-27 Calendars

Dear Mercer Island Families,

By now, I hope your family is setting into routines accompanying a fresh school year. The perception of a new year varies greatly from one student to the next, ranging from eagerness and optimism to dread and trepidation. We certainly do not have a consensus in the Rundle household. Well, actually, I think we all agreed it was time for our 19-year old to return to college a couple of weeks ago. As my wife Dana said at one point following the many episodes of unsolicited advice on the day-to-day functions of the house, “Kallen, I just do not know how we managed to make it through last year without you. What will we do this fall when you go back to college?” My point, as much as a new year brings continuity to schedules, it is an adjustment for everyone as well. 

Whereas the district focus two years ago was on broadcasting student voice and last year on belonging, during the 2024-2025 year we will add a third emphasis, belief. Our students need and deserve our unconditional belief in their potential to succeed. This does not mean we do not critique and provide constructive feedback. In fact, research will tell us that constantly telling students how smart and great they are is actually detrimental. They benefit far more from focusing on their effort and perseverance. This shift in how we complement them is all about instilling belief.

Just as creating conditions where students know we believe in them is critical, we also must instill a sense of belief in themselves. We frequently refer to this as self-efficacy. When students know we believe in them and they believe in themselves, their potential is limitless. Thus, as our students settle into the year, a way we can support them as much today as in those challenging days in November, March, and May is to focus on belief.

I struggled with where to place this portion of the message, because up until this morning, this was not even part of my message. Honestly, I wished it did not belong anywhere. However, I would be remiss not to acknowledge the school shooting in Georgia earlier today. As a district, we do not necessarily comment on every act of school violence, but I choose to elevate it today to bring attention to several things on my mind. 

1. The optimism and exuberance surrounding a new school year has been tarnished. Violence in one school impacts us all. Our children only get one kindergarten, one 6th grade, one 9th grade, or one whatever year they are right now. It hurts me as a parent and educator that this will now be a topic of discussion amongst many of our students on just their fifth day of a new year.
2. Wherever we stand on the Second Amendment, I believe we can all agree that we need to do more in our country to create safer communities. Across our country, we are averaging 1.5 mass shootings every day in 2024 (four or more victims are shot). We ended last year with a deadly shooting at nearby Garfield High School, experienced the assassination attempt of a former President this summer, woke to the news yesterday of a series of random shootings on I-5 between Tacoma and Seattle Monday evening, and now another school shooting dominates the national headlines; I feel discouraged and frustrated. 
3. Last week was the first annual SMART week, a week dedicated to promoting safer gun storage to prevent gun violence. Today is a painful example of why we have so much more to do in our country.
4. In Conjunction with MIPD and other law enforcement agencies, we attend trainings and rehearse for emergencies in our schools- fire, earthquake, active shooter, etc. Born and raised in Colorado and an uncle to nieces and nephews who attended Columbine High School over the years, school shootings weigh heavily on me. We will continue to prepare for the worst and make our schools as safe as we can.
5. I am appreciative of our relationship with MIPD and Mercer Island Youth and Family Services (MIYFS). Derek Franklin, Executive Director of MIYFS, Chief Chris Sutter, and I met just last week to discuss how we can all work as a team to support students. And along these lines, I want to welcome back Officer Olivia Phan as our School Resource Officer!

I chose to end with this commentary and acknowledgement of the shooting at a Georgia high school rather than begin with it to send a message to our community that we need to lead with positivity and remind ourselves more great things are happening than will ever get reported. The first several days of our school year have been filled with joy and laughter. Our amazing students, committed staff, and supportive parents/guardians continue to make us an exceptional district. Broadcasting student voices, creating a deep sense of belonging for each student, instilling belief in each learner, and removing barriers standing in their way are preventative measures. We are not perfect, and I recognize these 4B’s are not felt by every student. This motivates us to improve each day. Everyone affected by today’s gun violence will be in my thoughts, compelling me to be more committed than ever to serving the Mercer Island School District.        

September Celebrations and Recognitions

BeSMART- Safe Gun Storage Campaign

While technically at the end of August, SMART week was the first in what will be an annual campaign to promote safe gun storage and prevent gun violence. Mercer Island, led by PTA leaders, Gwen Loosmore, Mindy Smith, Tanya Aggar, Lori Cohen-Sanford and Bharat Shyam, have been champions of gun safety. The City of Mercer Island also provides helpful information.

Suicide Prevention Month

September is Suicide Prevention Month, a critical time for the Mercer Island School District community to come together to support, educate, and raise awareness. Mental health challenges can affect anyone, and it's important that we foster an environment where students, staff, and families feel safe discussing these issues and seeking help. By promoting open conversations, recognizing warning signs, and providing access to resources, we can work collectively to prevent suicide and ensure that every individual knows they are valued and not alone. In partnership with Mercer Island Youth and Family Services, we affirm our partnership with the University of Washington’s Forefront project.

Childhood Cancer Awareness Month

Our community has not been immune from the challenges and grief that accompanies childhood cancer diagnoses. Right now, we have current students battling various forms of cancer. And whether you know these students and their families or not, September is a chance to unite in support of children and families affected by this life-changing illness. Childhood cancer touches the lives of too many, and by raising awareness, we can help shine a light on the need for continued research, support, and compassion.

The City Council made a recent proclamation to highlight Childhood Cancer Awareness month. We join the Council in reminding our community what they can do to show support:

1. Wear or display gold, the adopted color representing childhood cancer awareness.
2. Support local initiatives and organizations dedicated to helping children with cancer and their families.
3. Educate yourself about the signs and symptoms of childhood cancer to promote early detection.
4. Advocate for increased funding and research for childhood cancer treatments and cures.

National Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept 15 to October 15)

Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated from September 15 to October 15, is a time for communities to honor the rich cultural contributions and history of Hispanic Americans. This month is significant as it commemorates the independence anniversaries of several Latin American countries, and it serves as a reminder of the profound impact Hispanic Americans have had on our nation. From civil rights leader Cesar Chavez to Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, Hispanic Americans have shaped our society in countless ways. Today, 42 members make up the U.S. Congressional Hispanic Caucus and 11 Washington State leaders make up the newly formed Latino Caucus. As a community, we celebrate the diverse voices and stories that make our nation stronger, and we commit to fostering an environment where the heritage and achievements of Hispanic Americans are recognized and valued.

Student Recognitions

Our KMIH 88.9 The Bridget students continue to rack up awards and national recognition. Senior Sam Paddor won his second consecutive win in the New York Times Student Podcast Contest. MIHS junior Alanna Larson and former students Grace Go and Luke Gollin were runner-ups in the contest. Congratulations to all four! 

MIHS senior Jack Issacs triumphed at the Washington State Stock Market game competition in June. The Stock Market Game is a nationwide educational program that provides students with a real-world simulation of the stock market. Participants invest a hypothetical $100,000 in listed stocks, bonds, and mutual funds, learning about the intricacies of finance, economics, and the importance of strategic planning. Congratulations Jack!

2025-26 and 2026-27 Calendars Are Here!

Even though we’re starting the 2024-25 school year we are still preparing for the future. I’m happy to announce that MISD and MIEA have been working hard on our academic and cultural calendars for the 2025-26 and 2026-27 school years and that they are both ready to be released to the community. 

View 2025-26 Academic Calendar                   View 2025-26 Cultural Calendar

View 2026-27 Academic Calendar                   View 2026-27 Cultural Calendar

I am looking forward to this school year as it has so much promise for all our students. 

Sincerely, 

Fred Rundle