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| | UPCOMING DATES AND EVENTS | | |
THIS WEEK:
- Monday, 12/1 • Poinsettias Pickup*
- Wednesday, 12/3, 7 PM • HS Orchestra Concert (PAC)
- Thursday, 12/4, 7 PM • MS Orchestra Concert (PAC)
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Friday, 12/5, 7–8:30 PM • MS Social (Updated Time)
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Friday, 12/5 • ISPTSA Winter Market Table Reservation Deadline*
NEXT WEEK:
- Monday, 12/8, 6:30–8:30 PM • ISPTSA Winter Market (IS Commons)*
- Tuesday, 12/9, 7 PM • MS Choir Concert (PAC)
- Wednesday, 12/10 • ISPTSA 10th Grade Staff Luncheon*
- Wednesday, 12/10, 7 PM • HS Choir Concert (PAC)
- Thursday, 12/11, 7 PM • MS Band Concert (PAC)
- Saturday, 12/13, 8–10 PM • HS Winter Formal/Homecoming Dance
LOOKING AHEAD:
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Thursday, 12/18, After School • Drama Musical Auditions
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Monday, 12/22–Friday, 1/2 • No School (Winter Break)
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Wednesday, 1/7, 7–9 PM • School Funding Regional Town Hall*
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Friday, 1/9 • ISPTSA S2 Grant Application Deadline
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Monday, 1/19 • Ice Skating Fundraiser Ends*
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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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Friday, 1/23 • Semester 1 Ends
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Monday, 1/26 • No School (Martin Luther King Jr. Day)
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Wednesday, 1/28 • AMC 8
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Wednesday, 1/28 • ISPTSA General Membership Meeting
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Tuesday, 2/3, 6:30–7:30 PM • MS Parent Info Night
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Wednesday, 2/11 • Bite of IS
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Monday, 2/16–Friday, 2/20 • No School (Mid-Winter Break)
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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.
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Huge congratulations to the Bellevue School District Board Directors Phil Bloch, Carolyn Watson, Tracy Mayclin, and Jane Aras for being named a 2025 “Board of Distinction.”
Your leadership, commitment to equity, and dedication to students and community are truly appreciated. Congratulations and thanks for all you do!
| | Happy National Special Education Day! On Tuesday we celebrate our incredible special education teachers, specialists, paras, and support staff who work every day to ensure every student learns, grows, and thrives. Thank you for your dedication, compassion, and unwavering commitment to inclusive education. | | INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL PTSA NEWS | | |
CALLING ALL 10TH GRADE PARENTS!
It’s that special time of year to spread joy and gratitude! Each month, parents from a different grade host a Staff Appreciation Luncheon, and December 10 is our turn to make the season bright for our amazing IS teachers and staff.
Date: Wednesday, December 10
Time: 11:40–12:40 PM
Location: IS Staff Lunch Room
Let’s make this luncheon extra cheerful and cozy! Here’s how you can help:
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Bring a Dish: Please prepare a serving for about 6 people. Homemade holiday favorites are especially welcome!
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Drop-Off: Dishes should arrive before 11 AM on Wednesday, December 10 in the Staff Lunch Room. Students can bring the food in the morning to the office and we will bring it to the lunch room.
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Labeling: Kindly label your container with your name and list of ingredients, if possible. Please label the items that need to be kept in the fridge and call out it is for the staff luncheon.
Your generosity and holiday spirit will make this event truly magical for our teachers.
Sign-Up Here!
Thank you for helping us celebrate and share the warmth of the season! Questions? Email parent-rep2028@isptsa.org.
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ISPTSA ANNUAL WINTER MARKET
The ISPTSA would like to invite you to join us for the Annual ISPTSA Winter Market!
When: Monday, December 8, 6:30–8:30 PM
Where: IS Commons
Cost: Entry is free, vendors sell goods
Table reservation deadline for vendors: THIS Friday, December 5
Let's celebrate winter, winter holidays, and our international community with a European-style Winter Market. Come to sell or shop - or both!
Vendors
Calling all - Crafters! Bakers! Artists! Entrepreneurs!
This is your chance to showcase your creative and business skills while earning funds for the holidays or for your student club.
Students can participate!
Individual students or CLUBS can have a table, and keep the proceeds!
This event not only promotes family and community engagement, but gives our students multiple business skills - marketing, product development, leadership, fundraising, finance, negotiation, etc. - in a real-world, safe environment.
*Please encourage your club leaders to sign up without payment if waiting for ASB funding approval.
New this year: Clubs can market their table with flyers around the school. Just make sure to get approval from the VP (Betty).
Booths will cost:
$20 for Students, Staff, & Student Clubs
$25 for IS Families/Alumni
$50 for Outside Vendors & Community Members & Other BSD Members
Tables are 6 feet. Electricity will be provided upon request. Tables are limited. Reservations will not be complete until payment is received. See "Pay for Table" link.
Pay for Table!
Need ideas?
Homemade ornaments, jewelry, cards, baked goods, home decorations, useful gadgets, art, keychains, cooking mixes, knitting, coffee cozies, candles, snacks, clothing, treasure boxes, and more!
Table Ideas
Guests
Admission is free. All students, staff, families, and community members are welcome. Please share with your friends, family, and community groups.
Musicians Wanted and Volunteers Needed
Perform at the Winter Market for free. From soloists playing holiday classics to garage bands - we want to see you perform! Classic, Rock: all genres welcome.
We're also looking for volunteers to help with set up, clean up, and general volunteers. Email procurement@isptsa.org for more info or to volunteer.
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HELP US DELIVER HOLIDAY CHEER
We’re excited to share that the Senior Poinsettia Fundraiser was a huge success, 500+ pieces sold! Your participation, donations, and enthusiasm made this possible, and we are so grateful.
Now we need a few extra hands to help make the delivery day run smoothly.
TODAY, Monday, December 1, we’ll be delivering poinsettias, wreaths, and garlands, and we’re looking for volunteers to assist with sorting and distributing orders.
If you’re available and willing to help, please sign up below and join us in spreading some holiday cheer!
Sign-Up Here
Thank you again for your continued support. We couldn’t do this without our amazing community!
Questions? Contact SeniorFundraising@isptsa.org.
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SEE'S CANDIES HOLIDAY FUNDRAISER FOR CLASS OF 2026
Last week to get chocolates and support our Class of 2026!
Online store is open until Friday, December 5.
Great gift for family, friends, teachers, coworkers, neighbors, coaches, and you!
Purchase and ship directly to your recipients.
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Please share the link. Your purchases help fund the grad activities that celebrate our seniors and honor the staff who have supported them through the years!
- Free shipping on orders over $75!
- 50% (!) will be donated when you buy Festive Ornaments Box or Santa's Helpers Box
- 20% for others
Questions? Contact SeniorFundraising@isptsa.org.
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GIVING TUESDAY: HELP US CROSS THE FINISH LINE
THIS Tuesday, December 2, is Giving Tuesday, a global movement of generosity. After a week of giving thanks, this is our chance to give back and support the students and staff at International School.
Thanks to our amazing community, we have raised $20,000 of our $30,000 goal! We are two-thirds of the way there, and a strong Giving Tuesday can help us reach the top.
Why donate to 'Raise the Torch' this Giving Tuesday?
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Fuel the Momentum: We have hit a major milestone at $20,000. Your donation today sustains this incredible energy and propels us through the final stretch of the campaign.
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Join the Celebration: Be part of a worldwide wave of generosity. Participating in Giving Tuesday shows our students and staff that their community stands behind them, ready to invest in their success.
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Unlock the Future: Your gift doesn't just fill a bucket; it unlocks specific opportunities. Reaching our goal ensures that Spring programs like Focus Week and retreats are fully funded and accessible to all students.
Help us keep International School unique, vibrant, and fully funded.
| Questions? Email us at Board@isptsa.org. | | |
BRING THE AUCTION TO LIFE - WE NEED YOU
The Auction is our biggest fundraiser of the year, and we need your help to make it happen. We are looking for volunteers to lead the charge as Auction Chair or Co-Chairs.
It is a big job, but you won't be doing it alone. You will be supported by past VPs and a committee dedicated to your success. Help us secure the funding that makes our school special.
Ready to make a difference? Contact president@isptsa.org today.
| | BELLEVUE PTSA COUNCIL NEWS | | |
STUDENT-LED REGIONAL TOWN HALL ON EDUCATION FUNDING: ADVOCATE FOR OUR FUTURE
Bellevue families, educators, and community members are invited to come together for a powerful evening focused on the future of our schools. As Washington State continues to fall short of fully funding K–12 education, our students feel the impact of these gaps every day. This Regional Town Hall on Education Funding is our opportunity to show up, learn, and advocate for the equitable, sustainable support our students deserve.
This event will be student-led, centering the voices of students from across our region as they share personal stories about how funding impacts their learning and opportunities.
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When: Wednesday, January 7, 7:00–9:00 PM
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Where: Newport High School Gymnasium (4333 Factoria Blvd SE, Bellevue, WA 98006)
Submit Your Questions for Legislators The program will feature a Q&A Forum with regional state legislators. We invite you to submit questions in advance to help elevate the issues affecting our schools. Click here to submit Community Questions
Calling Student Volunteers! We are recruiting student volunteers to support the event, including welcoming attendees, moderating questions, sharing stories, and social media outreach. Volunteers can earn community service hours.
Questions or wish to volunteer? Email advocacy@bellevueptsacouncil.com
| | INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL NEWS | |
NURSE'S CORNER: NAVIGATING COLD & FLU SEASON
Children commonly experience colds, also known as upper respiratory infections, especially in their first two years when they may have 8 to 10 colds. Those in childcare or with school-age siblings often catch even more, as colds spread easily through close contact. These infections are caused by viruses that spread via coughs, sneezes, or touching contaminated surfaces. Symptoms include runny nose, sneezing, low fever, sore throat, cough, fussiness, and swollen neck glands, usually resolving within 7 to 10 days. Infants under 3 months require prompt medical attention at any sign of illness, while older children should see a doctor if they have trouble breathing, persistent symptoms, high fever, or unusual behavior. There is no cure for colds, so treatment focuses on comfort, rest, and fluids. Prevention includes keeping young babies away from sick individuals, teaching children to cough or sneeze into their elbow or a tissue, frequent handwashing to reduce virus spread, and getting flu vaccines.
Please follow these instructions to manage these respiratory symptoms at home.
Please do not give medications unnecessarily to your child. Always let the school nurse know if your child needs medication at school.
Questions? Email IS School Nurse Prabina Dahal, ARNP, DNP, CPNP-PC.
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EVENTS CALENDAR:
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Wednesday, 12/3, 4:30 PM • Surplus Book Sale
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Thursday, 12/4, 4:30 PM • Regular School Board Meeting (WISC - Rainier Room)
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Tuesday, 12/9, 6–7:30 PM • Special Education Family Resource Session: Becoming Nate’s Legal Guardian
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Thursday, 12/18, 4:30 PM • Regular School Board Meeting (WISC - Rainier Room)
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Thursday, 1/8, 4:30 PM • Regular School Board Meeting (WISC - Rainier Room)
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Thursday, 1/22, 4:30 PM • Regular School Board Meeting (WISC - Rainier Room)
CULTURAL CALENDAR:
All Month:
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January • Americans of Chinese Descent History Month
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January • School Board Recognition Month
Specific Days:
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Tuesday, 12/2 • National Special Education Day
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Sunday, 12/7 • Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
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Monday, 12/8–Sunday, 12/14 • Computer Science Education Week
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Sunday, 12/14–Monday, 12/22 • Hanukkah
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Tuesday, 12/16–Wednesday, 12/24 • Las Posadas
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Thursday, 12/25 • Christmas Day
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Friday, 12/26–Thursday, 1/1 • Kwanzaa
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Thursday, 1/1 • Shogatsu
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Tuesday, 1/6 • Dia de los Reyes (Epiphany, Three Kings Day)
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Wednesday, 1/7 • Orthodox Christmas
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Monday, 1/19 • Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
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Tuesday, 1/27 • International Holocaust Remembrance Day
Click here to view all District calendars.
*More information in the message below
Orange denotes new/updated calendar entries
| | BELLEVUE SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS | | |
UPCOMING LEVY RENEWALS ON FEBRUARY 10, 2026 BALLOT
With two existing levies expiring, BSD is asking voters to approve two replacement levies on the February 10, 2026 ballot. These are not new taxes.
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Proposition 1: Educational Programs & Operations (EP&O) Levy: Supports core school operations, including classroom staffing, mental-health supports, special education, transportation, world languages, arts, and athletics.
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Proposition 2: Technology & Capital Projects Levy: Funds technology (student devices, classroom tech, teacher training), building maintenance, safety upgrades, and facility improvements.
Combined, these levies account for roughly 24% of BSD’s general fund budget.
The district emphasizes that approving the levies will help ensure continuity of critical services and a safe, well-equipped learning environment for all students.
Read the entire article here. Questions? Contact BSD.
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2024-2025 END-OF-YEAR FINANCIAL UPDATE
At the November 13 board meeting, BSD reviewed its 2024–2025 financials. While the district had anticipated ending the year with a deficit of –$5.9 million in reserves, stronger-than-expected revenues and cost-management efforts reduced that shortfall to roughly –$700,000.
A notable contributor to this improvement was special-education reimbursement revenues, which came in about $2.5 million above forecast.
Although the district remains under financial pressure, this progress accelerates BSD’s path to fiscal recovery by approximately 18 months, especially with the upcoming closing of the sale of the Somerset-hill property.
BSD’s leadership also emphasized the need to continue advocating at the state level for sustainable, equitable funding, especially for special education, student services, and operational support, to avoid future revenue shortfalls.
Read the entire article here. Questions? Contact BSD.
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BSD SCHOOL BOARD NAMED 2025 BOARD OF DISTINCTION
The Bellevue School District Board of Directors has been honored by the Washington State School Directors’ Association (WSSDA), receiving the 2025 “Board of Distinction” award in the large-district category.
This distinction recognizes the board’s leadership, equity-driven decision making, and its commitment to student voice and community partnership. According to WSSDA, the board’s work over multiple years demonstrated “impactful, sustained efforts that have moved the needle on student outcomes.”
Superintendent expressed gratitude, noting that the recognition reflects a board that “listens deeply, shares leadership, and stays laser-focused on what matters most — our students.”
Read the entire article here. Questions? Contact BSD.
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BSD NEWS AND EVENTS – NOVEMBER 26, 2025 E-NEWSLETTER (NEW)
BSD released its latest e-newsletter on November 26 highlighting the Board’s recognition, the end-of-year financial update, and details about the upcoming levy renewals. It also includes links to resources for families to stay engaged, sign up for district news, and learn more about upcoming events.
This newsletter offers a convenient way for families and community members to stay connected to what’s happening in BSD. Families are encouraged to subscribe, update email preferences, or listen via the “Voices of Bellevue” podcast.
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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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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SKATE FOR ISPTSA: A FUN FUNDRAISER AT THE BELLEVUE ICE RINK
The Bellevue Downtown Association is offering a fantastic and easy fundraising opportunity for International School at the Bellevue Downtown Ice Rink.
From November 21, to January 19, our PTSA will receive $3 for every student, parent, or staff member who visits the rink and mentions our school.
This is a simple way to raise funds for our programs just by having fun!
How It Works
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Go Skating: Visit the Bellevue Downtown Ice Rink at Bellevue Downtown Park (south of Bellevue Square) anytime between November 21 and January 19.
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Mention Our School: When you arrive and check in, you must notify the rink staff that you are with International School.
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That's It! Our PTSA will automatically get credit for your visit.
Important Note: The $3 donation can only be tracked when you notify the staff in person upon arrival. It is not tracked through the online e-ticketing platform, so please don't forget this simple but critical step!
You can buy tickets online to secure your spot at the region's largest covered, open-air ice skating experience. See the flyer here.
We hope all our Titan families can enjoy the ice this season and support our school at the same time!
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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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