Mercer Island PTA Council (MI PTA Council) teamed up with its local PTA/PTSA members to create outdoor banners that display messages of hope and strength during the COVID-19 school closure. The banner designs are inspired by the “World of Hearts” movement, which encourages families to post paper hearts in their windows to spread joy and positivity to others during the pandemic. Banners will be posted at all MI schools and the MI School District Administration Building.
Each PTA/PTSA was asked what message would resonate most with their families, choosing the following:
· Island Park: “We’re in this Together”
· Lakeridge: “Take Care, Be Kind”
· Northwood: “Be the Three: Safe, Respectful, Responsible”
· West Mercer: “Take Care of Yourself, Take Care of the Pack”
· Islander Middle School: “Be Safe, Be Strong”
· MI High School: “Our Hearts are United”
· MI PTA Council: “Our Hearts Are With You”
Graphic design for the banners was donated by parent volunteer, Paulette Denman. Inspired by the “World of Hearts” campaign promoted by the MI Preschool Association and the City of Mercer Island, Paulette collaborated with Lakeridge Elementary PTA’s Co-Vice Presidents of Communications, Maria McBride and Tricia Jaffe, to develop the design concept. Paulette then approached MI PTA Council, offering to create banners for all MI schools. MI PTA Council funded the cost to print the banners.
“This is a very challenging time for all Mercer Island families,” said Stephanie Parmenter, MI PTA Council President. “MI PTA Council hopes that these banners will bring a little joy to your hearts when you pass by Mercer Island Schools and the Administration Building. We all look forward to all being together again!”
MI PTA Council MI PTA Council’s mission is to serve as a relevant resource to the local PTA/PTSAs, families and community members within the Mercer Island School District through training, support, and guidance, and to advocate for the health, well-being, and education of every child. MI PTA Council members include PTA/PTSAs for all Mercer Island Schools, as well as the Mercer Island Preschool Association (MIPA).
MI PTA Council is currently raising funds for MI High School scholarships through sales of Grad Grams, a longstanding MI tradition. These hand-created greetings sent by mail may be purchased for any graduate – whether it’s from High School, 8th Grade, 5th Grade, or even Preschool! Grad Grams are just $5 each, and may be purchased via the MI PTA Council website: miptacouncil.org.
