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| | UPCOMING DATES AND EVENTS | | |
THIS WEEK:
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Wednesday, 10/15 • 9th Grade Staff Luncheon (Rescheduled)*
- Thursday, 10/16, 10 AM • Special Services Secondary Parent Coffee (ESC Welcome Center)
- Friday, 10/17 • Hall Decorations (After School)
- Saturday, 10/18–Sunday, 10/19 • WSPTA Legislative Assembly
NEXT WEEK:
- Monday, 10/20–Friday, 10/24 • Spirit Week
- Wednesday, 10/22, 7:00–8:30 PM • PTSA 101 in Mandarin (Zoom)*
- Thursday, 10/23, 12:00–1:00 PM • ParentEd Talks Webinar*
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Friday, 10/24, 7:00–8:00 PM • Haunted House*
- Saturday, 10/25 • High School Homecoming Dance
LOOKING AHEAD:
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Tuesday, 10/28, 6:30–8:00 PM • Education Connections: Look for the Helpers with Dr. Aramaki
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Wednesday, 10/29, 6:30–9:00 PM • ISPTSA General Membership Meeting*
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Friday, 10/31 • November Monday Messenger Art Submission Deadline
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Friday, 10/31 • End of First Quarter
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Friday, 10/31 • Poinsettias Deadline*
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Friday, 10/31 • AMC 10/12 A Registration Deadline*
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Tuesday, 11/4, 6:30–7:30 PM • Parent Night for Grades 9 & 10
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Wednesday, 11/5, 2 PM • AMC 10/12 A*
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Thursday, 11/6, 6:30–7:30 PM • Parent Night for Grade 11
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Friday, 11/7 • AMC 10/12 B Registration Deadline*
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Monday, 11/10 • No School
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Tuesday, 11/11 • No School (Veterans Day)
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Thursday, 11/13 • AMC 10/12 B*
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Friday, 11/14, 7 PM • Drama Performance
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Saturday, 11/15, 2 PM & 7 PM • Drama Performances
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Tuesday, 11/18, 6:30–7:30 PM • Parent Night for Grade 6
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Tuesday, 11/18, 12:00–1:00 PM • ParentEd Talks Webinar
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Thursday, 11/20, 7:00 PM • HS Band Concert
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Monday, 12/1 • Poinsettias Pickup*
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Friday, 1/9 • ISPTSA S2 Grant Application Deadline*
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Wednesday, 1/21, 12:00–1:00 PM • ParentEd Talks Webinar
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Thursday, 1/22 • AMC 8 Registration Deadline*
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Wednesday, 1/28 • AMC 8*
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Tuesday, 2/10, 12:00–1:00 PM • ParentEd Talks Webinar
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Tuesday, 3/10, 12:00–1:00 PM • ParentEd Talks Webinar
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Wednesday, 4/22, 12:00–1:00 PM • ParentEd Talks Webinar
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Tuesday, 5/12, 12:00–1:00 PM • ParentEd Talks Webinar
Click here to view the ISPTSA Calendar, which can be added to your personal Google or Outlook Calendar.
Click here to view the IS Even/Odd Days Calendar for the Year--Subject to change if the schedule does.
Click here to view the District 2025–2026 calendar for families.
*More information in the message below
Orange denotes new/updated calendar entries.
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The following are shout-outs and thank-yous to and from various members of our community.
Have a shout-out or thank-you to share? Anyone in our community can submit one by emailing news@isptsa.org.
| | Let's give a big shout-out to our amazing custodial team for National Custodian Day! Thank you to Berta Gonzalez Guerra, Gamage Nanayakkara, and Idelma Pereira Guerra for everything you do. Your efforts to maintain a clean and welcoming environment for our students and staff are truly appreciated! | | It’s National School Lunch Week, and we’d like to extend our sincere gratitude to our dedicated nutrition staff. Thank you to Hope Cohen, Patricia Lydon, and all the helping hands in the cafeteria for providing nutritious meals that help our students learn and thrive. Your efforts do not go unnoticed! | The Bellevue Education Association would like to thank all of the members of our school and community for your grace, patience, and partnership during this hard time of financial cuts. Your words, emails, and support make a difference in sustaining teachers' energy and care. Our educators are superheroes! | | INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL PTSA NEWS | | |
9TH GRADE STAFF LUNCHEON
Attention Parents!
Upcoming IS Staff Luncheon – Hosted by 9th Grade Families
We’re excited to announce that our 9th grade families will be hosting the next IS Staff Luncheon THIS WEDNESDAY, October 15! This is a wonderful tradition to show our appreciation for the amazing staff who support our students every day.
Please support in any way you can—whether by contributing food, helping with setup/cleanup, or making a donation. Your participation helps make these luncheons extra special for our staff.
9th Grade Staff Luncheon Sign-Ups
Thank you for your generosity and support!
Questions? Email parent-rep2029@isptsa.org.
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RAISE THE TORCH: ISPTSA FALL FUNDRAISER
International School is a special place, and part of what makes it special is the support from our community. The ISPTSA helps fund programs that make the IS experience unique, including retreats, Focus Week, arts and music, hands-on learning, and teacher grants that enhance education for every student.
So far, we have raised about $10,000 toward our fall fundraiser goal of $30,000. Every donation helps us continue to support our students and staff in meaningful ways.
Support Our Students. Donate Today!
Your contribution is tax-deductible, and many employers offer matching gifts to increase your impact.
Questions? Visit our website or contact us at Board@isptsa.org.
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HAVE YOU JOINED YET?
Being a part of the ISPTSA is a great way to stay connected with our school community, support students and staff, and help shape the programs and initiatives that make our school thrive. Membership gives you a voice in important decisions, access to valuable resources and discounts, and opportunities to collaborate with other families who care about the International School.
We invite all families to attend our General Membership Meeting on Wednesday, October 29. The meeting will feature guest speakers who will present the latest updates on the International School building plans. This is your chance to stay informed, ask questions, and share your input on the future of our school. Join here and make your voice heard!
Questions? Contact membership@isptsa.org.
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WHAT DOES YOUR FAMILY CELEBRATE?
The BSD Cultural Calendar is full of important observances. To give our community a deeper understanding, we are looking for your stories! What does a particular holiday or event mean to your family? How do you celebrate?
For full submission guidelines, please visit our website. All articles must align with all BSD and PTSA policies. You can find the list of observances on the BSD Cultural Calendar. Please note that all submissions may be edited for clarity, length, and to meet publication guidelines. We look forward to receiving your stories at news@isptsa.org!
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SPIRIT WEAR SURVEY – WE WANT YOUR INPUT!
Help us make our Spirit Wear Store even better! We are asking for your feedback on what types of spirit wear you would like to see offered in the future. Please take a moment to complete our quick survey and let us know your preferences.
While you are at it, do not forget to check out the great items we already have available in the Spirit Wear Store. They are perfect for showing your school pride.
Your input will help us stock the store with items the whole IS community will love. Thank you for helping us keep the school spirit strong!
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SENIOR CLASS OF 2026 HOLIDAY FUNDRAISER
The International School Senior Class of 2026 is continuing a cherished IS tradition with our annual holiday fundraiser! Each year, seniors sell festive poinsettias, wreaths, and garlands from Squak Mountain Nursery to help fund senior celebrations and graduation activities.
This is a wonderful way for the whole IS community to come together in support of our seniors while also bringing holiday cheer to your home.
Available items:
- Poinsettias (red, pink, or white) – $25 (incl. tax)
- Wreaths (24" Noble mix) – $35 (incl. tax)
- Cedar Garland (25 ft) – $45
Order Deadline: Friday, October 31
Pickup: Monday, December 1 at International School
Order now on the PTSA Website: Holiday Fundraiser
Your support helps create unforgettable memories for our seniors as they prepare for graduation in June. Thank you, IS families, for keeping this tradition strong!
Questions? Contact SeniorFundraising@isptsa.org.
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PARENT REPRESENTATIVES NEEDED FOR GRADE 10
At IS, grade representatives play a key role in strengthening our school community. They help serve lunch for our hardworking teachers, organize social events for students and families, and support graduation activities through participation and volunteering.
We are currently seeking 1–2 parent representatives for grade 10. If you are interested in volunteering for your child’s grade, please email VPCommunity@isptsa.org
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JOIN THE ISPTSA BOARD FOR THE 2025–2026 SCHOOL YEAR!
We’re still looking for one or more VPs of Fundraising to complete our ISPTSA board for the 2025–2026 school year. This role will be strongly supported by a committee filled with past VP's of Fundraising and is a great opportunity to support our school community and help make a positive impact.
If you're interested or would like to learn more, please reach out to president@isptsa.org. We’d love to have you join us!
| | BELLEVUE PTSA COUNCIL NEWS | | |
PTSA INTRODUCTION 101 IN MANDARIN
Join us for PTSA Introduction 101 in Mandarin, hosted by the Bellevue PTSA Council, on Tuesday, October 22, from 7:00–8:30 PM. Learn about the role of PTSA, how to get involved, and ways you can support your school community.
Zoom Details:
- Meeting ID: 886 9144 2253
- Passcode: 123456
Everyone is welcome!
Questions? Contact the Bellevue PTSA Council here.
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VOTE!
The November Election is coming up! Here’s what you need to know about Bellevue School Board races and how to watch the candidate forum.
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District 5: Jane Aras is running unopposed.
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District 3: Tracy Mayclin is running unopposed. Marta Trilles remains on the ballot but has stepped down and endorsed Tracy.
Council hosted a Candidate Forum on September 30 — you can watch the recording here.
Remember to vote! Ballots for the November election will be mailed in October — make sure your voice is heard in shaping the future of our schools.
Questions? Email advocacy@bellevueptsacouncil.com.
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COMMUNITY FEEDBACK
Bellevue PTSA Council wants to hear from you! Share your concerns or advocacy priorities for our Bellevue school district community in this quick form—your input directly shapes our monthly conversations with district leadership.
Questions? Contact the Bellevue PTSA Council here.
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AI "COMPANIONS" POSE RISKS TO STUDENT MENTAL HEALTH
Anyone under the age of 18 is strongly advised by children’s media safety and mental health organizations to stay away from popular artificial intelligence companions—social chatbots programmed to use human-like features and develop human-AI relationships. Still, 72% of teens reported using AI companions at least once, according to a July survey by Common Sense Media. More than half of teens also said they interacted with these platforms at least a few times a month. Read the article.
Questions? Email info@pta.org.
| | INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL NEWS | | |
MAKEUP/RETAKE PICTURE DAY
Order photos from Makeup/Retake Picture Day at International School, Wednesday, October 8 from Yuen Lui Studio.
View or Order Photos:
Questions? Contact Yuen Lui Studio for support.
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TITAN TIME NEEDS YOUR HELP!
Titan Time Community is looking for a parent volunteer to create and update a
bulletin board throughout the year with Titan Time activities. Are you creative? Do you love scrapbooking? We'd love your help! Time commitment = 1-2 hours per month, whenever convenient for you. Contact Janet Towne if you are willing and able to help us out. Thank you in advance. Go Titans!
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NURSE'S CORNER: PARTICIPATION IN SPORTS
Participation in sports plays a vital role in the development of middle and high school students, contributing to bone health, mental well-being, and overall physical fitness. We strongly encourage involvement in these activities. However, it is just as important to understand how different sports may affect our children's health, and to consider the appropriate amount of activity for their age and needs. I am sharing this article to help us stay informed about key factors related to youth sports and their impact on well-being.
Preventing Overuse Injuries in Young Athletes: AAP Policy Explained
Questions? Email Prabina Dahal, IS School Nurse.
| | INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL CLUB NEWS | | |
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL HAUNTED HOUSE
The Class of 2026 is hosting a Haunted House on Friday, October 24 from 7:00–8:00 PM, and we need your help! If you have any Halloween decorations you'd be willing to loan or donate, please contact s-carlsona@bsd405.org.
We’re looking for items like spiderwebs, fake skeletons/bones, black fabric, and any other spooky décor.
Thank you for supporting the Class of 2026! And don’t forget to purchase a ticket in TouchBase for your student (grades 6–10) if they want to attend!
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REGISTER FOR THE AMERICAN MATHEMATICS COMPETITIONS
The Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society is hosting the upcoming American Mathematics Competitions (AMC). All interested students are encouraged to register.
All tests will be administered in the library. The cost to register is $5. Participants are required to register and pay online via TouchBase before arriving at the testing center. Please be aware that there are no refunds for no-shows.
Competition Dates and Deadlines:
- AMC 10/12 A
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Test Date: Wednesday, November 5, at 2 PM
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Registration Deadline: Friday, October 31
- AMC 10/12 B
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Test Date: Thursday, November 13, at 4 PM
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Registration Deadline: Friday, November 7
- AMC 8
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Test Date: Wednesday, January 28, at 2 PM
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Registration Deadline: Thursday, January 22
Check out the flyer here. For any questions, please contact chum@bsd405.org.
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STUDENT-LED PEER POWER FUNDRAISER
Bellevue Schools Foundation (BSF) invites high school students to join the Peer Power Fundraiser, a peer-to-peer campaign supporting programs like mental health counseling, computer science, preschool tuition, and more. Students can earn volunteer hours and win a $100 gift card for top fundraising.
Email info@bsfdn.org by THIS Thursday, October 16 to join, and attend the pizza party Monday, October 20 at 4:15 PM. Read the flyer here. Learn more about BSF at www.bsfdn.org.
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EVENTS CALENDAR:
CULTURAL CALENDAR:
All Month:
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Mid-September–Mid-October • National Hispanic Heritage Month
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October • Dyslexia Awareness Month
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October • Filipino American History Month
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October • National Principals Month
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October • Learning Disabilities Awareness Month
Specific Days:
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Monday, 10/13–Friday, 10/17 • National School Lunch Week
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Monday, 10/13 • National Indigenous People's Day
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Tuesday, 10/14–Wednesday, 10/15 • Shmini Atzeret/Simchat Torah
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Wednesday, 10/15 • National Unity Day
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Saturday, 10/18 • International Pronoun Day
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Monday, 10/20–Friday, 10/24 • National School Bus Safety Week
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Monday, 10/20 • Deepavali/Diwali
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Wednesday, 10/22 • Birth of the Báb
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Thursday, 10/23 • Birth of Bahá'u'lláh
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Wednesday, 10/29 • Chongyang Festival/Seniors Festival
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Friday, 10/31 • Halloween
Click here to view all District calendars.
*More information in the message below
Orange denotes new/updated calendar entries
| | BELLEVUE SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS | | |
PAY ATTENTION TO ATTENDANCE AND STRIVE FOR FIVE
Did you know regular attendance is one of the strongest predictors of student success? In the “Pay Attention to Attendance & Strive for Five” post, BSD encourages families to aim for five school days each week and limit absences to no more than five per semester. Frequent absences—even excused—can signal underlying struggles. Let’s partner to make attendance a priority every day.
Read more here. Questions? Contact BSD.
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BSD SCHOOL BOARD DIRECTOR MARTA TRILLES TO STEP DOWN
Bellevue School Board Director Marta Trilles has announced her decision to step down from her position. Director Trilles has been a dedicated advocate for students, families, and educators throughout her time on the board, contributing to key initiatives that strengthen equity and learning across the district.
The Board will follow its established process to appoint a new member to fill the vacancy and continue its work supporting Bellevue students and schools.
Read more here. Questions? Contact BSD.
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BELLEVUE SCHOOL DISTRICT NAMED 2026 BEST IN WASHINGTON
Bellevue School District has been ranked #1 Best School District in Washington by Niche for 2026, marking its third consecutive year at the top. BSD earned an overall grade of A+, with top marks in academics, teachers, and college prep. Superintendent Aramaki shared, “This recognition reflects our shared commitment to helping every student belong, learn, and lead.”
Read more here. Questions? Contact BSD.
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CELEBRATING VALUE AND TALENT AT EVERGREEN TRANSITION PROGRAM
The Bellevue School District is proud to celebrate the incredible students and staff at the Evergreen Transition Program, which helps young adults with disabilities build essential life and work skills after high school.
The program focuses on fostering independence, confidence, and community connections. Students participate in internships, job training, and skill-building activities that prepare them for success in adult life.
Learn more about how Evergreen students are showcasing their talents and making an impact in the community here. Questions? Contact BSD.
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BSD NEWS AND EVENTS – OCTOBER 9, 2025 (NEW)
The October 9 BSD e-newsletter spotlights celebrating custodians, Evergreen Transition Program’s impact, and Bellevue being named the #1 school district in WA this year.
Read the entire newsletter here. Don't receive the district newsletter? Sign up here! You can see all newsletters here. Questions? Contact BSD.
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JOIN THE ICHS IMMUNIZATION FOCUS GROUP
Parents are invited to the ICHS Immunization Focus Group on Thursday, October 10, 4–6 PM at Bellevue Clinic. Share questions, feedback, and experiences, including your hesitancy and fears of vaccines, with pediatrician Dr. Pang. Enjoy free refreshments. Open to all parents. RSVP here to submit your email for next steps. Your input will help improve vaccination outreach in our community.
Questions? Email erinnh@ichs.com.
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WHY JOIN PTSA?
Joining International School PTSA means having a voice in how fundraising dollars are spent and supporting programs like staff appreciation, student clubs, Reflections arts, and community events.
We advocate for families at the school, state, and national levels.
Members also get Washington State and National PTA benefits, including discounts and resources.
Both students and adults can join as full voting members. Join us to stay connected and make a difference in the IS community!
Questions? Contact membership@isptsa.org.
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SMITH BROTHERS FARMS MILK FUND PROGRAMS
Sign up for Smith Brothers Farms Home Grocery Delivery and when you do, you'll receive $15 off your 1st delivery & ISPTSA receives a $50 gift donation from SBF! It's a win-win! You get the iconic Porch Box with your 1st order & it can be filled each week with milk that is 2-days-fresh from the farm, eggs that are 3-days-fresh, fresh produce, almond & oat milk, and hundreds of grocery items that are primarily from local PNW companies!
Delivery is free with just a $10 order & there are no monthly fees, no contract. Give it a try - we get the donation if you get one delivery or remain a customer for years. Questions? Contact Smith Brothers Farms.
| | MASTHEAD / DIRECTORY / LINKS | | Serving International School in the Bellevue School District | |
SUPPORT YOUR PTSA
Donate Anytime!
| | | | Please note that PayPal has transaction fees. | |
Or write your check to the International School PTSA and send it to:
ISPTSA
PO Box 221
Bellevue, WA 98009
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MONDAY MESSENGER
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
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Please submit articles by THURSDAY at 5:00 PM to news@isptsa.org.
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Please limit articles to 600 characters including spaces. If your article is longer than 600 characters, we will edit for length and then attach a document that contains the entire article.
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Please include contact information for questions from readers. If no contact is included, the email used to send the submission will be used.
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We encourage submissions that align with our mission.
- Submissions are subject to review by the ISPTSA and may be accepted, rejected, or edited.
- Please use a separate email for each article submitted.
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Documents in plain text are preferred, however, you are welcome to include an image or icon as a separate attachment—please do not include them in the body of your email or document.
- If you need to link to a registration form or document, send us either the address of the link or a pdf copy of the document.
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If you would like your article to repeat in successive Monday Messenger editions, please resubmit it for each edition in which you would like it to appear. If you do not resubmit it, it will not be republished.
- Note: you will receive an automatic confirmation email response once you submit material to the Monday Messenger.
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International School PTSA
P.O. Box 221
Bellevue, WA 98009-0221
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