October 9, 2023

MONDAY MESSENGER

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SHOUT-OUTS!
The following are shout-outs and thank-yous from various members of our community.

Thank you to all the PTSA members that showed up to the General Membership Meeting last week and helped us make important decisions. Thank you also to Maggie Lo for the amazing dinner!

UPCOMING DATES AND EVENTS

THIS WEEK:

  • Tuesday, 10/10, 9 AM–10 AM • Principal Coffee (IS Library)
  • Wednesday, 10/11 • Super Wednesday
  • Thursday, 10/12 • Hall Decs
  • Friday, 10/13 • No School (District Training)


NEXT WEEK:

  • Monday, 10/16–Friday, 10/20 • Spirit Week
  • Thursday, 10/19, 6:30 PM–8 PM • 9th/10th Grade Parent Night
  • Friday, 10/20 • American Mathematics Competition (AMC) 10/12 A Registration Deadline
  • Saturday, 10/21, 8 PM–10 PM • Homecoming (HS Only)


LOOKING AHEAD:

  • Friday, 10/27• American Mathematics Competition (AMC) 10/12 B Registration Deadline
  • Thursday, 11/2, 6:30 PM • 11th Grade Parent Night
  • Friday, 11/3, 7 PM • IS Drama's "Cyrano de Bergerac"
  • Friday, 11/3 • AP Testing Registration Deadline
  • Saturday, 11/4, 2 pm & 7 PM • IS Drama's "Cyrano de Bergerac"
  • Tuesday, 11/7, 6:30 PM • 6th Grade Parent Night
  • Wednesday, 11/8 • American Mathematics Competition (AMC) 10/12 A Competition
  • Thursday, 11/9 • End of 1st Quarter
  • Friday, 11/10 • No School (Veteran's Day)
  • Tuesday, 11/14 • American Mathematics Competition (AMC) 10/12 B Competition
  • Wednesday, 11/15, 7 PM • HS Band Concert
  • Thursday, 11/23–Friday, 11/24 • No School (Thanksgiving)
  • Monday, 11/27–Friday, 12/1 • Snowflake Drive
  • Tuesday, 11/28, 6:30 PM • Middle School Parent Night
  • Wednesday, 11/29, 7 PM • HS Orchestra Concert
  • Thursday, 11/30, 7 PM • MS Band Concert
  • Friday, 12/1, 7 PM • MS Snowflake Social
  • Monday, 12/4, 7 PM • HS Choir Concert
  • Tuesday, 12/5, 7 PM • MS Choir Concert
  • Wednesday, 12/6, 7 PM • MS Orchestra Concert
  • Saturday, 12/9, 8 PM–10 PM • HS TOLO
  • Monday, 12/11, 4 PM–7 PM • Drama Auditions
  • 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.

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL PTSA NEWS

ISPTSA MEMBERSHIP 2023–2024

 

We are currently at over 300 members. Great job, IS! Let's go for 100% again this year. If you have not renewed, please stop by isptsa.org and sign up. Our school loves your enthusiasm.

Join ISPTSA!

Questions? Contact membership@isptsa.org.

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.

Donate Now!

Questions? Check out our website or email VPFundraising@isptsa.org.

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 following positions):

  • Volunteer Coordinator
  • WSPTA Game Development Competition Program Chair
  • ISPTSA Student Scholarship Chair
  • Membership Chair (contact membership@isptsa.org)


Communications (Email vpcommunications@isptsa.org if interested in one of the following positions):

  • Monday Messenger Liaisons


Community (Email vpcommunity@isptsa.org if interested in one of the following positions):

  • Grade Parent Liaisons


Learn more about these positions here. Please email the respective Board Member if you have questions or if you're interested in signing up.

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.

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.

BELLEVUE PTSA COUNCIL NEWS

PTSA 101 FOR MANDARIN SPEAKING FAMILIES

Bellevue PTSA Council will host an "Introduction to PTSA" seminar THIS Wednesday, October 11, at 7:00 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 Meeting Link can be found here. Questions? Contact them via their online form here.

BELLEVUE SCHOOL BOARD CANDIDATE FORUM


The Bellevue PTSA Council hosted a School Board Candidate Forum over the summer for all candidates running for a Bellevue School Board position in the elections this November. Watch the YouTube video below if you would like to know more about them and keep an eye out for more Forums, one of which should take place sometime this month.

Questions? Contact them via their online form here.

FINDING YOUR BEST FIT FOR COLLEGE

Find out more info here. Questions? Email VPOutreach@isptsa.org

BELLEVUE PTSA COUNCIL YOUTH CLUB COOKING CLUB

Middle and High School students are invited to join the Bellevue PTSA Council Youth Cooking Club. Find out more at the Information Night on Monday, October 16 at 7 PM on Zoom. Contact them via their online form here.

WASHINGTON STATE PTA

WA STATE GENERAL ELECTION NOVEMBER 7!


Be sure to vote on November 7! Not registered? Register here. More information about voting and elections for King County can be found here. Questions? Email elections@kingcounty.gov.

SCHOOL NEWS

DONATE YOUR OLD REFRIGERATOR!


Are you thinking about replacing your refrigerator this year? If your old refrigerator is still functional, you can donate it to International School for use during Focus Week! Please contact Janet Towne, at townej@bsd405.org, if you are interested in contributing your refrigerator. 

ATTENTION FAMILIES!


Please be sure to familiarize yourself with International's attendance and early release procedures. When your student needs to leave for an appointment, parents MUST notify the Attendance Office, preferably by emailing isattendance@bsd405.org with the date and time the student is to be released from class. Please email the school NO LATER than 10:00 AM on the day the student needs to be released (earlier notification is fine too!). We will write a dismissal slip for your student to pick up during NON-CLASS TIMES (before/after school, break, lunch, passing periods). Students will not be released from class unless they have a slip from attendance. Additionally, we will not release students for immediate pick-up during the last 15 minutes of the school day. If you have questions, please reach out to the Attendance Office at the email provided.

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.

  • 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.
  • To avoid late fees, please pay for all AP tests by November 3.
  • 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).

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL UPDATE


An International School Update was sent through email on Monday, October 2 to all current IS families with great updates. Questions? Email the IS Main Office.

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.

STUDENT NEWS & OPPORTUNITIES

TITAN ROBOTICS


Titan Robotics 492 high school FRC Team is competing in an off-season event this weekend, Bordie Charged, at Sammamish High School on THIS Saturday, October 14, and THIS Sunday, October 15. This would be a great activity to bring your family to and check out USFIRST FRC Robotics in action! Qualification matches begin at 10 AM Saturday and will run until approximately 6 PM. Sunday qualification matches begin at 9:20 AM with playoffs in the afternoon ending at approximately 4:30 PM. Questions? Email Gail Nelson, TRC Mentor.

EARN VOLUNTEER HOURS AT PUESTA DEL SOL


Puesta del Sol's Annual Pumpkin Bash Volunteers Needed!


Date: Friday, October 27

Time: 4:008:50 PM

Location: Puesta del Sol Elementary School


Join our Pumpkin Bash! Help welcome families, direct cars, set up, check-in, and more. Wear costumes (no masks or weapons). Sign up if interested.


Note: Event is rain or shine at Puesta del Sol. No transportation provided.


High school students earn community service hours. Volunteers and guardians must be okay without direct adult supervision.


Clean-up: Starts 7:307:45 PM for trunk area, 8:00 PM for dance & teatro. School should be clean by 9 PM.


Questions? Email Sarah Moon, Director of Special Events Puesta Del Sol PTA.

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.

BELLEVUE SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS

BSD NEWSLETTER


An e-newsletter was sent to BSD staff and families on Thursday, September 28, with information on how to participate in district activities and advisory groups, important testing dates, School Board updates, and more. Read it here. Don't receive the district newsletter? Sign-up here! You can see all newsletters here. Questions? Contact BSD.

BSD COMMUNITY ADVISORY GROUPS NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS


2023-2024 Community Advisory Groups

  • BSD’s Community Advisory Groups currently seeking members include:
  • Superintendent Community Advisory Council (S-CAC)
  • Strategic Plan Steering Committee
  • Sustainability Community Advisory Group
  • Wellness Committee
  • Student Well-Being Advisory
  • Reimagining Middle School (RMS) Consultancy Board
  • Equity Advisory and Advocacy Collaborative (EAAC)

Learn more about each group and apply on the Community Advisory Groups 2023-2024 webpage.


Apply Now: Students, family members, community members, and staff are encouraged to express their interest in serving on one or more of our Community Advisory Groups for the 2023-2024 school year by completing the Community Advisory Group application form. Questions? Contact BSD.

COMMUNITY NEWS

BELLEVUE SCHOOLS FOUNDATION

RSVP for October 25
RSVP for November 28

Find out more here. Questions? Email info@bsfdn.org.

BELLEVUE SCHOOLS FOUNDATION

Find out more here. Questions? Email info@bsfdn.org.

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.

FALL FESTIVALS


Fall festivals are popping up all over the place! Here are some of them:

Fall is a fun time in the Pacific Northwest! Questions? Contact the individual farms.

CROSS-CULTURAL CENTER WITHOUT WALLS: COMMUNITY WORSKSHOP #2


We would like to invite you to the second Community Workshop on Tuesday, October 17 at 6:00 PM in the Odle Middle School Commons. Check out the flyer here and register here. Registration is encouraged, but not required.

 

At this workshop, you will work together in small groups to pull out some of the “big ideas” from the dozens of ideas for cross-cultural activities created at the first workshop. This will help us start creating the shape and structure of the Cross-Cultural Center without Walls program. Participants will also have the opportunity to meet new people and start thinking about what future collaboration may look like.

 

We hope you can join us! Anyone who works, lives, studies, or plays in Bellevue is welcome to participate. Attendance of the first Community Workshop is not required! Questions? Email diversity@bellevuewa.gov.

SUPPORT OUR ISPTSA

SHOW YOUR SCHOOL SPIRIT!


Check out our wide variety of International School spiritwear! Hoodies, T-shirts, bags, and more, order now! You can pick up your order from Winner's Sportswear in Bellevue or have it delivered. Questions? Email Melissa Richardson, VP of Outreach.

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.
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
Local PTA #2.3.121
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 

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.
PTSA Website: www.isptsa.org

Newsletter Submissions: news@isptsa.org

SUPPORT YOUR PTSA
Donate Anytime!
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Or write your check to the International School PTSA and send it to:

ISPTSA
PO Box 221
Bellevue, WA 98009

MONDAY MESSENGER
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
International School PTSA
P.O. Box 221
Bellevue, WA 98009-0221
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