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THIS WEEK IS SPIRIT WEEK!
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MONDAY: PJ DAY
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TUESDAY: DRESS TO IMPRESS
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WEDNESDAY: COLOR DAY
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THURSDAY: A.B.A.B.
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FRIDAY: ZOOM DAY
| | UPCOMING DATES AND EVENTS | | |
THIS 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
- Friday, 10/24, 7:00–8:00 PM • Haunted House*
- Saturday, 10/25 • High School Homecoming Dance
NEXT WEEK:
LOOKING AHEAD:
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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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Wednesday, 11/12 • ISPTSA Staff Luncheon
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Wednesday, 11/12, 6:30–7:30 PM • French Exchange Parent Info Night (IS Library)
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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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Thursday, 11/27–Friday, 11/28 • No School (Thanksgiving)
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Monday, 12/1 • Poinsettias Pickup*
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Wednesday, 12/3, 7 PM • HS Orchestra Concert
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Thursday, 12/4, 7 PM • MS Orchestra Concert
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Monday, 12/8 • ISPTSA Winter Market
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Tuesday, 12/9, 7 PM • MS Choir Concert
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Wednesday, 12/10 • ISPTSA Staff Luncheon
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Wednesday, 12/10, 7 PM • HS Choir Concert
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Thursday, 12/11, 7 PM • Band Concert
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Saturday, 12/13, 8–10 PM • TOLO
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Monday, 12/22–Friday, 1/2 • No School (Winter Break)
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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.
| | | | A big shout-out to our alumna Jessica Ruan for being named the inaugural Illustrated Children’s Book Fellow by the Associates of the Boston Public Library. Congratulations on this incredible achievement! Check out the announcement here and her post here. | | INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL PTSA NEWS | | |
THANK YOU, 9TH GRADE FAMILIES!
A huge thank you to all our 9th grade parents who helped make this month’s staff luncheon such a success! Your delicious contributions, time, money and teamwork were truly appreciated by our teachers and staff. Thank you for showing your support and helping us celebrate our amazing educators!
Special thank you to: Yue Mao, Angela Gao, Sue Choi, Ying Zhao, Sujung Kim, Anjum Anwar, Silvia Hui, Deana Ahn, Seo Yeon Kim, Farangis Sepehri, Yueyi Luan, Kerry Fujioka Hill, Zhifang Yang-Denor, Yumiko Orrimoto, Jennifer Li, Kerry Fujioka Hill, Radha Madhavi Malireddy, Na An, Lihua Yang, Kalyan Sengupta, Vera Ho, Sylvie Sanguin, Manoj Subramani, David Jocobson, Vivian Brann, Jinxiang Gu, Hayk Ghazaryan, Miao Miao, and Caroline Keene.
Questions? Email parent-rep2029@isptsa.org.
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REFLECTIONS 2025 DUE NOVEMBER 11
The 2025 Reflections deadline is November 11.This year's theme is: “I belong!”
Reflections is a national PTA arts program that gives students an opportunity to create original works of art in the categories of visual art, music, photography, film, dance, or literature. This year's theme invites students to express where they feel connection, identity, and community.
Submissions must be submitted via the 2025 International School Reflections Entry Form.
Full rules and category information can be found here.
Let's begin creating!
Questions? Email VPOutreach@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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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 THIS Wednesday, October 22, from 7:00–8:30 PM. The session will be conducted in Mandarin Chinese. The seminar will discuss the role of PTSA in the student's education and the ways to get involved with PTSA.
Zoom Details:
- Meeting ID: 886 9144 2253
- Passcode: 123456
Everyone is welcome! Find out more here.
Questions? Contact the Bellevue PTSA Council here.
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BELLEVUE PTSA COUNCIL COOKING CLUB
Cooking is a fun family activity. The Bellevue PTSA Council Youth Cooking Club is going to share cuisines from all around the globe. The mission of the cooking club is to inspire the students' interest in different cuisines and improve their cooking skills.
This club, previously known as Tyee Cooking Club, is open to all BSD middle school and high school students (grade 6-12). We will hold in-person cooking class at Salvation Army once a month, and all other weekly classes will be online via Zoom. Session duration is 1-1.5 hours.
Our Club won 2023-2024 Washington State PTA Award of Excellence!
The registration is open until THIS Wednesday, October 22. Youth Cooking Club - BELLEVUE PTSA COUNCIL 2.3
If any questions, please contact Lily Yin.
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EDUCATION CONNECTIONS: LOOK FOR THE HELPERS
Join the Bellevue PTSA Council, the Bellevue Schools Foundation, and the Bellevue School District for the first in-person Education Connections event of the year, Look for the Helpers, on Tuesday, October 28, 6:30–8:00 PM in the Rainier Room at WISC (12441 Main St, Bldg #1, Bellevue WA 98005). This evening will focus on supporting student mental health through trust and connection, with a panel facilitated by BSD Superintendent Dr. Kelly Aramaki. Free and open to all BSD families, staff, and community members.
Flyer
WISC
RSVP (Link Updated!)
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 | | |
EXCITING HOSTING OPPORTUNITY!
Each year, the French Department organizes an exchange program with a school in Nantes, France. Students from both schools are paired to enjoy a memorable cultural exchange. French students will visit Bellevue in December, and our students will travel to Nantes in May. Traditionally, 30 French students participate in this exchange, though we often have an additional guest or two. This year we will have two additional visitors from Nantes and are looking for families willing to host them.
We are delighted to welcome Maya Rose and Jade, 10th grade French students, and we are looking for IS families willing to host one (or both) during their stay in Bellevue from Thursday, December 4, to Thursday, December 18. Hosting is a great chance to develop a close friendship with a French student and could lead to future travel opportunities. Hosting includes dropping the student off at school in the morning, picking them up after school, providing three meals a day (including a sack lunch or lunch money), and planning some activities on the weekend. This is a perfect opportunity for students who are not able to participate in the full exchange or for families with younger IS students. Your student does not have to be in 10th grade.
If your family is excited about the idea of welcoming a French student into your home and sharing your culture, this is a wonderful chance. Please reach out to Tami Wietfeldt, our 2025-2026 French exchange coordinator, if you are interested in hosting, wietfelt@bsd405.org.
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VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR VISION & HEARING SCREENING
Our school is looking for parent volunteers to assist with the annual student vision and hearing screenings. This is a simple and quick way to make a big difference in our students' day!
We need 4-6 parents to help for approximately one hour. No experience is necessary.
Date: Friday, November 14
Time: 8:30 AM
If you are interested in volunteering or have any questions, please contact our School Nurse, Prabina Dahal.
Thank you for helping to support our school and students!
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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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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
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November • Native American Heritage Month
Specific Days:
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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
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Sunday, 11/2 • Día de los Muertos
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Tuesday, 11/4 • Election Day
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Monday, 11/10–Friday, 11/14 • National School Psychology Week
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Tuesday, 11/11 • Veterans Day
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Friday, 11/13 • World Kindness Day
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Friday, 11/14 • America Recycles Day
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Monday, 11/17–Friday, 11/21 • American Education Week
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Wednesday, 11/19 • Education Support Professionals Day
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Thursday, 11/27 • Thanksgiving Day
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Thursday, 11/27 • National Day of Mourning
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Friday, 11/28 • Native American Heritage Day
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Monday, 12/1 • National Special Education Day
Click here to view all District calendars.
*More information in the message below
Orange denotes new/updated calendar entries
| | BELLEVUE SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS | | |
WORKING TOGETHER FOR FAIR SCHOOL FUNDING IN BELLEVUE
The Bellevue School District continues to advocate for equitable funding to ensure all students have access to high-quality education. District leaders are working with legislators and community partners to address the state’s school funding model and its impact on Bellevue schools. BSD encourages families to stay informed and support efforts toward fair and sustainable education funding for every student.
Read more here. Questions? Contact BSD.
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BELLEVUE SCHOOL DISTRICT SEEKS VOLUNTEERS FOR LEVY PRO AND CON COMMITTEES
Bellevue School District is forming Pro and Con Committees to prepare statements for the upcoming Educational Programs and Operations Levy and the Capital and Technology Levy. These statements will appear in the February 2026 election voters’ pamphlet. The district is inviting community members to volunteer to ensure both perspectives are represented. Applications are due soon, so interested residents are encouraged to apply through the BSD website.
Read more here. Questions? Contact BSD.
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THE WELCOME CENTER RIBBON-CUTTING
Bellevue School District recently celebrated the grand opening of its new Welcome Center, a space dedicated to helping families connect with district services, enroll in schools, and access language support. Staff, families, and community partners attended the ribbon-cutting event, highlighting BSD’s commitment to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all families joining the district.
Read more here. Questions? Contact BSD.
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BSD NEWS AND EVENTS – OCTOBER 9, 2025
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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BHS ASB SAT PRACTICE TEST
Bellevue High School ASB is hosting its second SAT Practice Test on Saturday, November 1, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM in the Bellevue High School Gym.
Deadline to Register: October 26
IN-PERSON Test Takers Sign-Ups
ONLINE Test Takers Sign-Ups
This is an excellent opportunity for students to practice taking the SAT! The cost is $40.00, and students may choose to take the test In-Person or Online. For the Online choice they have a month to complete it!
Read the flyer here for more information. Questions? Email Lynda Hurley, Bellevue High School ASB.
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FRIGHT TOWN EASTSIDE: FAMILY-FRIENDLY HAUNTED FUN FOR A CAUSE
Step into the spooky fun at Fright Town Eastside! This nonprofit, family-friendly haunted house raises funds for local communities while serving up G and PG-13, entry-level scares—perfect for families. All families are welcome, regardless of ability to pay, so come make some frightfully fun memories for a great cause!
Location: 12450 120th Ave NE, Kirkland
Date: Fridays & Saturdays during October
Time: 6:30–10 PM
Buy tickets and find out more information regarding dates and times here: frighttowneastside.org/buy-tickets
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ARE YOU ABLE TO FIND SWIM LESSONS?
Whether your child has taken swim lessons or not, we want to hear
from you! We want to hear about your child’s swim experience.
Your feedback will help us identify what’s working and what’s not
so we can build solutions that truly serve families in our region as
we expand access through new facilities and programs.
Take our Listen & Learn SURVEY today and make your voice heard.
Please share the survey with a friend!
SPLASHForward is a local nonprofit working with the City of
Bellevue, the Bellevue School District, and the community to bring a
major new public aquatic center to Bellevue at Bellevue Airfield
Park. We believe every family deserves access to swim lessons.
See the flyer here. Ask questions and learn more here.
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YOUTH LINK UNIVERSITY SPEAKER SERIES
Join our 2025-2026 Youth Link University Speaker Series to hear from inspirational leaders! Our first presenter is Dr. Cecilia Aragon, an award-winning UW scientist and author, on Thursday, October 30 from 6-8 PM at Bellevue City Hall.
This event is free, but space is limited. As a youth event, students are given priority attendance. An RSVP is required via Eventbrite.
The series is part of Youth Link University, a free business course for Bellevue students. Applications for the Jan-June 2026 course will be available soon!
Read the flyer here. For more info, contact: YouthLink@bellevuewa.gov
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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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