The following are shout-outs and thank-yous from various members of our community. | |
A Huge thank you to all the volunteers who brought the delicious food to our Pasta Night: Shari Burkholder, Helen Maynard, Phil Bloch, Kathy Bessler, Amy Pellegrini, Adriana Santangelo, Monette Anderson, Thuy Shimizu, Amanda Johnson, Ramesh Pourlotfali, Qiong Chen, and our very own Arty Christianto. | |
We would like to thank Maggie Lo for coordinating both Tailgates, the Ice Cream Social, and the Curriculum Night Dinner. Your efforts have played a significant role in building a wonderful community at IS.
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UPCOMING DATES AND EVENTS | |
THIS WEEK:
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Thursday, 10/5 • ISPTSA General Membership Meeting*
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Sunday, 10/8 • ISPTSA S1 Grant Submission Deadline*
NEXT WEEK:
- Wednesday, 10/11 • Super Wednesday
- Friday, 10/13 • No School (District Training)
LOOKING AHEAD:
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Monday, 10/16–Friday, 10/20 • Spirit Week
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Thursday, 10/19, 6:30 PM–8 PM • 9th/10th Grade Parent Night
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Saturday, 10/21, 8 PM–10 PM • Homecoming (HS Only)
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Thursday, 11/2, 6:30 PM (Time Change) • 11th Grade Parent Night
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Friday, 11/3, 7 PM • IS Drama's "Cyrano De Bergerac"
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Saturday, 11/4, 2 pm & 7 PM • IS Drama's "Cyrano De Bergerac"
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Tuesday, 11/7, 6:30 PM • 6th Grade Parent Night
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Thursday, 11/9 • End of 1st Quarter
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Friday, 11/10 • No School (Veteran's Day)
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Wednesday, 11/15, 7 PM • HS Band Concert
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Thursday, 11/23–Friday, 11/24 • No School (Thanksgiving)
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Monday, 11/27–Friday, 12/1 • Snowflake Drive
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Tuesday, 11/28, 6:30 PM • Middle School Parent Night
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Wednesday, 11/29, 7 PM • Orchestra Concert
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Thursday, 11/30, 7 PM • MS Band Concert
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Friday, 12/1, 7 PM • MS Snowflake Social
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Monday, 12/4, 7 PM • HS Choir Concert
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Tuesday, 12/5, 7 PM • MS Choir Concert
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Wednesday, 12/6, 7 PM • Orchestra Concert
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Monday, 12/11, 4 PM–7 PM • Drama Auditions
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Wednesday, 12/20–Monday 1/1 • No School (Winter Break)
Click here to view the ISPTSA Calendar, which can be added to your personal Google or Outlook Calendar.
Click here to view the District 2023–2024 calendar for families.
*More information in the message below
Orange denotes new/updated calendar entries.
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INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL PTSA NEWS | |
ISPTSA MEMBERSHIP 2023–2024
We are currently at over 250 members. Great job, IS! We need double that amount, so if you have not renewed, please stop by isptsa.org and sign up. Our school loves your enthusiasm.
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ISPTSA GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING
When: THIS Thursday, October 5 at 6:30 PM
Where: IS Commons
What: ISPTSA General Membership Meeting and FREE Dinner
Please join us for the first ISPTSA General Membership Meeting of the year on Thursday, October 5 at 6:30 PM. Principal Russell White will speak. We will be voting on the standing rules and budget for the year. A FREE dinner will be served. Please RSVP by THIS Monday, October 2, and note any dietary restrictions. If you do not RSVP you are still welcome to attend, but RSVPing will give us a better idea of how much food to order.
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VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
We are looking for Volunteers to help us support our school! We need your help!
Outreach (Email vpoutreach@isptsa.org if interested in one of the follwing positions) :
- Volunteer Coordinator
- Reflections Program Chair
- WSPTA Game Development Competition Program Chair
- ISPTSA Student Scholarship Chair
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Membership Chair (contact membership@isptsa.org)
Communications (Email vpcommunications@isptsa.org if interested in one of the following positions):
- Social Media
- Monday Messenger Liaisons
- Monday Messenger Proofreaders
Community (Email vpcommunity@isptsa.org if interested in one of the following positions):
- 6th Grade Parent Liaison
- 7th Grade Parent Liaison
- 11th Grade Parent Liaison
Learn more about these positions here. Please email the respective Board Member if you have questions or if you're interested in signing up.
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THE MONDAY MESSENGER NEEDS YOUR HELP!
As a unique environment drawing from multiple high schools and middle schools in our district, we need your help to stay connected and informed!
Do you already receive another school's newsletter or love to keep up with what is happening at the district level? We're seeking liaisons who will be responsible for specific schools or community partners within our district. Your role will involve reading their newsletters and checking their websites regularly to identify any relevant events or opportunities for our students and families. You'll then submit that information to the editor to be added to the next Monday Messenger. By joining our team, you'll ensure that our students and families are well-informed about the incredible opportunities available to them.
If interested, or if you have any questions, contact Jennifer Li, VP of Communications.
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RAISE THE TORCH – FALL DONATION DRIVE
This year, the ISPTSA will raise and spend more than $100,000 supporting our school and students. These funds will be allocated to important programs that enhance student experiences, provide supplemental materials, and offer grant funding for the school's greatest needs. We invite all IS families to participate in this fundraising effort because we all benefit from the sense of community, academic excellence, and school reputation that these funds support. Please join me in making a tax-deductible donation today to support our students.
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POINSETTIA & WREATH SENIOR FUNDRAISER | |
Order Deadline: Wednesday, November 1
Click Here for Order Form
The International School Class of 2024 is hosting its traditional fundraiser, offering festive holiday poinsettias and wreaths from Squak Mountain Nursery in Issaquah. The proceeds will support graduation activities taking place this June.
- Poinsettias (Red, Pink, White): $20
- 24" Mixed Noble Wreaths: $30 (Bow not included)
- Pick-up on Tuesday, November 28, at International School. Further details to follow.
- Payments accepted via Credit card, Zelle, or Check. (More information available in the order form.)
Thank you for your support! Questions? Email kayokoprice@comcast.net.
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PTSA GRANT APPLICATIONS DUE!
The ISPTSA Grants Committee meets twice a year, once in each semester, to review and finalize proposed grant approval recommendations for the ISPTSA board.
For the fall semester: The Grants Committee will present grant funding recommendations at the October 17 ISPTSA board meeting. The deadline for fall semester grant applications is THIS Sunday, October 8.
For the spring semester: The Grants Committee will present grant funding recommendations at the February 13 ISPTSA board meeting. The deadline for spring semester grant applications is Sunday, February 4.
Applications and information can be accessed here. Completed applications should be sent to grants@isptsa.org. Questions? Email grants@isptsa.org.
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STAFF APPRECIATION PASTA NIGHT
In order to thank the hardworking and dedicated teachers here at IS, the PTSA, with the help of volunteers, hosted a pasta dinner during Curriculum Night on Thursday, September 29. We would like to thank all the volunteers who brought the delicious food: Shari Burkholder, Helen Maynard, Phil Bloch, Kathy Bessler, Amy Pellegrini, Adriana Santangelo, Monette Anderson, Thuy Shimizu, Amanda Johnson, Ramesh Pourlotfali, Qiong Chen, and our very own Arty Christianto.
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ICE CREAM SOCIAL
Thank you, everyone, for showing up for our FIRST after-school family social event on Friday, September 15. It was nice to reconnect with old friends and to meet so many new IS families. We hope everyone had a great time. We cannot do things like this without the help of many volunteers and our PTSA. Thank you! Questions? Contact Co-VPs of Community, Maggie Lo and Anjum Anwar.
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BELLEVUE PTSA COUNCIL NEWS | |
FINDING YOUR BEST FIT FOR COLLEGE | |
PTA CONNECTED: A DIGITAL SAFETY RESOURCE
We’re pleased to share that Betty Gibbins, Washington State Champion has been selected to support National PTA’s PTA Connected initiative. Betty Gibbins will be connecting families with expert resources, best practices, and tools to help them navigate technology and interact safely in the digital space. Congratulations Betty Gibbins, we are #PTAProud of you!
Be on the lookout for PTA Connected: Digital Safety trainings and workshops!
More information about PTA Connected can be found at PTA.org/Connected.
Questions? Email betty.gibbins@wastatepta.org.
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WASHINGTON STATE PTA COMMITTEE VOLUNTEERS
Do you have a passion for membership? Do you have amazing ideas for growing membership? Do you have a desire to be on a state committee but don’t know where to start? We’d love to have you join our team! The membership committee is looking for interested volunteers. It doesn’t matter whether you have been in PTA for one year or five. Please fill out the Volunteer Interest Form – or reach out to me directly for more information – ptamembdir@wastatepta.org.
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WANTED: ADVOCACY DIRECTOR AND AREA D VICE PRESIDENT
Have you always wanted to take a bigger leadership role and be on the WSPTA Board? Now’s your chance to make a big impact! The Washington State PTA Nominating Committee is seeking nominations for an Advocacy Director and Area D Vice President (area D includes regions 3, 4, 11 & 12). Both elected positions will be on the board of directors through the current board term ending May 31, 2025.
Heads up! We will soon be providing the online Nomination Form, so be on the lookout! There you will find eligibility requirements and the nomination form to fill out. The deadline for nominations is November 15. We look forward to serving our WSPTA members in our Nominating Committee capacity. Questions? Email support@wastatepta.org.
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NATIONAL PTA NEWSLETTERS
The National PTA publishes five e-newsletters that reach a combined audience of more than 325,000 PTA leaders, parents, teachers and students. Sign up to receive one today. Questions? Email info@pta.org.Read More
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NOTES FROM THE BACKPACK: A PODCAST FOR PARENTS, BY PARENTS
Real Experts. Real Parents. Real Conversations.
Notes from the Backpack is a PTA podcast designed for millions of parents and the decision-makers they influence.
Through the unique combination of expert, parent, and educator guests, each episode features engaging conversations that offer real-life advice and ideas on how to support children’s learning and development—all in parent-friendly language.
This Episode: How to Talk with Your Kids About Addiction
Many parents feel unsure when they should start talking to their children about addiction and even more uncertain about what to say. In this episode, author and educator, Jessica Lahey, offers practical tips and guidance for having conversations about drug and alcohol use. She draws on the latest research and her own experiences to share what families need to know to keep their kids safe. Questions? Contact info@pta.org.
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ATTENTION HIGH SCHOOL FAMILIES!
There are some important dates on the horizon for AP Testing, and some action items you need to complete. Please see below, and reach out to Kyla Carlson (who is taking over the AP Coordinator responsibilities from Jill Follett) with any questions.
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All tests are available online in the student’s Touchbase account. Please select and pay for the tests your student intends to take. Students may take tests not offered by International School – just pay for any desired tests, send a receipt to Kyla Carlson (email is fine), and she will provide your student the Join Codes required to access materials online.
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To avoid late fees, please pay for all AP tests by November 3.
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Families who are experiencing financial hardship may apply for a scholarship through the district for reduced test fees. The Scholarship Form for those who do not qualify for Fee Waiver Program is due October 20.
If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to Kyla Carlson (carlsonk@bsd405.org).
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INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL UPDATE
An International School Update was sent through email on Monday, September 25 to all current IS families with great updates. Questions? Email the IS Main Office.
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LOST AND FOUND
Even though it’s early in the school year, we have already amassed a plethora of lost and found items. Please have your students claim whatever is theirs! Clothing and other larger items are located in the commons, while electronics, keys, and other small goodies are in the front office. Questions? Please reach out to Kyla Carlson via email or in the front office.
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STUDENT NEWS & OPPORTUNITIES | |
EARN VOLUNTEER HOURS (OR GET PAID) AS A SKI OR SNOWBOARD INSTRUCTOR
Bellevue Ski School, since 1958, offers top-quality skiing and snowboarding instruction for students in grades 2-12. Ullr Snow Sports is hiring high school students, skilled skiers or snowboarders, to teach fellow students.
Ullr Cadets (instructor trainees) can earn pay or volunteer hours. Training begins with two meetings on October 4 and 10. For details, visit https://www.ullr.com, click 'Ullr Is Hiring.' In October and November, 6 online training sessions, and in December, 2 online sessions and 2 weekend on-snow training sessions. Full schedule: https://ullr.com/documents/sched24.pdf. To apply, visit https://www.ullr.com, click 'Ullr Is Hiring,' attend an October meeting, and commit to training and ski school dates in January-March.
Parents interested in volunteering as chaperones, visit https://bellevueskischool.com/volunteer.
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EARN VOLUNTEER HOURS WITH WISE CAMPS
Do you enjoy science, technology, engineering, art and/or math? We are looking for students in 8th through 12th grade to earn volunteer hours by helping us out with 7 camps for elementary school kids through the 2023-2024 school year. Find out more about Wise Camps here. Please email wisecamps@gmail.com if interested in helping out or if you have any questions.
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BELLEVUE GIRLS SELECT BASKETBALL TRYOUTS | |
BELLEVUE SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS | |
CONGRATULATIONS TO BSD'S 2024 NATIONAL MERIT SEMIFINALISTS
The Bellevue School District is proud to announce the 2024 National Merit Scholarship Program Semifinalists! The nationwide pool of Semifinalists, representing less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors, includes the highest-scoring entrants in each state. In September 2023, more than 16,000 Semifinalists were named, and these academically talented high school seniors will have an opportunity to continue in the competition for 7,140 scholarships, worth nearly $28 million. Congratulations to all of the BSD scholars who will move on to the next round of the competition! Read more about it here. Questions? Contact BSD.
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CONTACT US WEBPAGE TO REPLACE LET'S TALK
As of the end of September 2023, the Let’s Talk platform will be removed from district webpages. In order to continue to center the needs of our community and provide consistent and timely two-way communication, a new Contact Us webpage is now available for community members to reach district departments. Read more about it here. Questions? Contact BSD.
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BSD NEWSLETTER
An e-newsletter was sent to BSD staff and families on Thursday, September 28. Don't receive the district newsletter? Sign-up here! You can see all newsletters here. Questions? Contact BSD.
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BELLEVUE SCHOOLS FOUNDATION | |
Nile Nightmares Haunted House
When: Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays in October
Cost: $30, $10 for Family Funfest
Where: Nile Nightmares Haunted House
Nile Nightmares Haunted House 2023 will feature Seven updated Attractions! All for one ticket price!
DEADMAN'S COVE • CURSE OF THE NILE • SLAUGHTERHOUSE • INFERNUM MINING CO. • THE WICKED WORKSHOP • 3D CIRCUS • BALLINGER ASYLUM • Admission Also Includes: Hillbilly Holler Trail, Poison Petes Apple Orchard, and Ballinger Cemetery! There will also be Escape Rooms, vendors, and concessions for an additional cost.
Family Funfest: Saturday, October 21, 11 AM to 3 PM. This is a great event for the whole family! Adults get in Free with paid child's admission! This is a low scare, fun event for all ages. The vendor and concessions area will be open to all guests
Questions? Email info@nilenightmares.com.
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FREE FIRST THURSDAYS AT PARTICIPATING MUSEUMS
Many museums in our area offer free admission on the first Thursday of each month! Check out this list of participating museums and visit one THIS Thursday, October 5, or any first Thursday you can. Questions? Contact the individual museums.
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Issaquah Salmon Days
When: THIS Saturday, October 7 & This Sunday, October 8 @ 10:00 AM–6:00 PM
Cost: FREE
Where: Historic Shell Station & Downtown Issaquah
The Issaquah Salmon Days Festival is Issaquah’s annual, family-oriented festival celebrating the return of the spawning salmon to our lakes, creeks, and historic downtown hatchery each fall. FREE admission and special activities, such as live bands and a parade, for children and families, are what make the Festival beloved by many and a yearly tradition. The overall goal of the Festival is to provide an affordable, entertaining, educational, environmental, and successful event for people of all ages, highlighting the unique focus and miracle of our community’s treasure…the returning salmon and our historic downtown hatchery.
Questions? Visit the website or email info@SalmonDays.org.
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SMITH BROTHERS FARMS MILK FUND PROGRAMS
Signup 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.
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MASTHEAD / DIRECTORY / LINKS | |
Serving International School in the Bellevue School District | |
President
Secretary
Treasurer 1
Treasurer 2
VP of Communications
VP's of Community
VP's of Fundraising
VP's of Outreach
Membership Chair
Grants
Monday Messenger
Website
IS Staff Liaison
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SCHOOL DIRECTORY & LINKS
Attendance 425-456-6545
Main Office 425-456-6500
MS Counseling 425-456-6546
HS Counseling 425-456-6542
Registrar 425-456-6535
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CONFUSED ABOUT SOMETHING?
The ISPTSA is always here to help answer your IS questions.
Email us here, and we'll help you find the answers you need.
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SUPPORT YOUR PTSA
Donate Anytime!
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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.
- Please limit articles to 600 characters including spaces.
- Please include contact information for questions from readers.
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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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