A Message from Principal Mark Jergens-Zmuda - March 5, 2026

Dear IMS Families,

Thank you for your continued partnership and support of our school community. A big thank you to our IMS PTSA for organizing a fun and successful 8th Grade Glow Party and Dance. Approximately 100 students attended and enjoyed a great evening together. We are so appreciative of the time and energy our PTSA dedicates to creating positive and memorable experiences for our students. This weekend, please remember that Daylight Saving Time begins and we turn our clocks ahead one hour on Sunday morning — we may have a few sleepy students on Monday!

We also want to share that families are invited to attend the Japanese Cultural Expo on March 17 from 6:00–8:30 PM at Issaquah High School. This event is a wonderful opportunity for students and families to learn more about Japanese culture through exhibits, performances, and interactive experiences. We hope many of our IMS families are able to participate.

We are currently in the middle of our Course Registration Process (CRP) for the 2026–2027 school year, which remains open through March 18. During this two-week window, students must select their courses in Skyward using their Student Access login; course selection cannot be completed through Family/Parent Access accounts. There are several important updates to our academic pathways. In math, students must earn a C+ or better in all three trimesters of their current course in order to advance to the next advanced level. If consistent mastery is not demonstrated, students may be placed in a course designed to better support long-term success and strengthen foundational skills. Similar expectations apply in Advanced ELA courses. Students must earn a C+ or higher in all three trimesters to remain in the advanced pathway, while students earning a B+ or higher in an on-level course may move into Honors ELA the following year. Our goal is to ensure students are appropriately challenged while also positioned for confidence and long-term success. Families can find additional details in the Course Guide on our school website under Academics.

We will also be reaching out individually to families regarding support options that may include Math Lab, Study Skills, Read 180, or Multilingual Learner (ML) support classes. These programs are designed to meet students where they are and provide targeted academic support. Additionally, we have seen an increase in student cell phone use during the school day. Students are reminded to put phones away when asked; after a warning, phones may be confiscated for the day, and continued issues may require a parent or guardian to pick up the device. We appreciate your partnership in reinforcing appropriate phone use at school.

Finally, since we have had no snow thus far this school year, Friday, March 13 and Monday, March 30 will remain non-school days, as they are built into the calendar as potential weather make-up days.

Thank you again for your continued support of Issaquah Middle School. We are grateful for your partnership as we move into the spring season.

 

Mark Jergens-Zmuda

Issaquah Middle School Principal