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| | UPCOMING DATES AND EVENTS | | |
THIS WEEK:
- Monday, 12/15 • IS Enrollment Application Window Opens*
- Thursday, 12/18, After School • Drama Musical Auditions
- Thursday, 12/18, 3:15–4:15 PM • ISPTSA Finance Club Textbook Resale Event*
NEXT WEEK:
- Monday, 12/22–Friday, 1/2 • No School (Winter Break)
LOOKING AHEAD:
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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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Tuesday, 1/13, 6:30 PM • 5th Grade Information Night (IS Gym)*
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Friday, 1/16, 4:30 PM • IS Enrollment Application Window Closes*
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Monday, 1/19 • No School (Martin Luther King Jr. Day)
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Monday, 1/19 • Focus Day 2026 (Olympia)*
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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
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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.
| | Thank you to the ISPTSA for the generous grant of $938.00 for new art supplies. These materials will help our students explore their creativity and develop new techniques in the studio. We truly appreciate your support of the visual arts program. | | The Choir department is incredibly grateful to the ISPTSA for the $495.06 provided for new robes, stoles, and microphone cables. These additions will ensure our students look and sound their best during upcoming performances. Thank you for helping us maintain a high standard of musical excellence. | | Thank you so much to the ISPTSA for the $593.96 grant to expand our French classroom library. These new books will provide students with engaging reading materials that enhance both their language skills and cultural understanding. Your support makes a big difference in their learning journey. | | We appreciate the ISPTSA’s grant of $125.99 for balsa wood bridge materials for our Geometry class. This hands-on project allows students to apply mathematical concepts in a fun and practical way. Thank you for supporting STEM learning at our school. | | INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL PTSA NEWS | | |
YOUR DONATIONS IN ACTION: OVER $15,000 AWARDED IN FALL GRANTS & SEMESTER 2 OPPORTUNITIES NOW!
We are thrilled to announce that the ISPTSA Grants Committee has awarded $15,762 across 18 new grants for the Semester 1 cycle! Thanks to the generous contributions of our parent community, we are funding a wide range of enhancements that touch every corner of student life at International School.
This cycle, we focused heavily on Arts and Academic Clubs, which combined received over 55% of the funding. Students will see immediate benefits ranging from a new "Big Bucket" Golf set for PE and fresh badminton rackets to custom equipment for the Chess Club and vital registration fees for our Titan Robotics team. We are also supporting long-standing traditions, including a brand-new red carpet for the beloved Snowflake Assembly, ensuring our seniors shine during this annual highlight.
Have an Idea? Apply for Semester 2! Whether it is providing deep, targeted engagement for specific clubs or funding software subscriptions that support whole-school learning, every dollar is going toward enriching the student experience.
If you have an idea that would enhance your classroom, club, or community, we want to hear from you! The Semester 2 Grant Cycle is now open. We encourage all teachers, staff, and student leaders (with a faculty advisor) to start brainstorming now. Whether it is innovative equipment, a unique guest speaker, or materials for a hands-on project, the PTSA is here to help turn your ideas into reality.
Click Here to Apply for Semester 2 Grants
Thank you for making these opportunities possible!
Questions? Email ISPTSA Grants.
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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 COUNCIL PTSA NEWS | | |
OUR COMMUNITY, OUR SCHOOLS
The state continues to fall short of fully funding K–12 education, and our students feel the impact every day. The Regional Town Hall on Education Funding, Wednesday, January 7, from 7–9 PM, brings students, families, educators, community members, and legislators together to advocate for equitable, sustainable funding. When we show up as a community, we strengthen our schools and our future.
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Newport High School Gymnasium (4333 Factoria Blvd SE, Bellevue, WA 98006)
Questions? Email advocacy@bellevueptsacouncil.com.
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2026 LEGISLATIVE SESSION PREVIEW
WHAT TO EXPECT IN THE 2026 LEGISLATIVE SESSION | JANUARY 8 FROM 7:00 – 8:00 PM
Join WSPTA Legislative Consultant, Marie Sullivan, for an overview of what to expect in the 2026 legislative session, including post-election changes in the legislature, known session protocols, and how to best engage with the 2026 legislature during this short session. Sign up to attend the session
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FOCUS DAY: “GO TO BAT FOR KIDS”
Join us Monday, January 19 in Olympia! Everyone is invited, adults and kids, to advocate for vital student issues. WSPTA is hosting a march to raise our collective voice for K-12 funding. Meet at the Flag Circle at 1:30 PM. Handheld signs are encouraged (no sticks). A sign-making station will be available in the Columbia room.
Activities include lunchtime speakers, Capitol tours, and networking. The event is free. Shirts are available for purchase during registration.
Register for Focus Day today!
| | INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL NEWS | | |
NURSE'S CORNER: TEEN ATHLETES AND SUPPLEMENTS
Many teens and young athletes believe that taking supplements, such as protein powders or creatine, will help them perform better in sports. However, studies show that these products usually do not make a difference for young people who already eat a healthy diet.
During puberty, the body naturally builds strength and speed, meaning creatine often adds no extra benefit. Furthermore, most young athletes obtain sufficient protein through regular foods, though vegetarians may need additional help planning their meals to ensure adequate intake. Crucially, supplements are not strictly regulated by the FDA; they may contain ingredients not listed on the label or substances that could be unsafe.
Instead of relying on supplements, young athletes should focus on the basics: drinking enough water, eating balanced meals (especially breakfast!), getting plenty of sleep, and practicing regularly. These are the safest and most effective ways to improve athletic performance.
Please take a look at this article from the American Academy of Pediatrics for more information.
Please let me know if there are any specific health topics you would like to see covered in the future. Have a wonderful holiday season and a Happy New Year!
Questions? Email Prabina Dahal, ARNP, DNP, CPNP-PC, School Nurse, International School.
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LIBRARY NEWS: WINTER READS COLLECTION
We’re excited to introduce our Winter Reads Collection, featuring more than 30 fantastic new books for our middle and high school students!
This curated selection highlights some of the best books of 2025, including a wide range of fiction across different genres, popular graphic novels, and engaging nonfiction books. Take a look at these great titles and check out your favorites to read during winter break:
This new collection was purchased through the PTSA’s 2025 library budget. A huge thank you to our PTSA for raising the library budget from $1,000 to $4,000 this school year! This funding plays a vital role in fostering a love of reading, supporting classroom projects, and building a diverse, up-to-date collection. Your support makes a difference for our library and all our students.
Wishing everyone a warm, cozy, and happy holidays!
Questions? Email Michele Dang, Library Specialist
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5TH GRADE INFORMATION NIGHT AND ENROLLMENT APPLICATION INFORMATION
Families who have a 5th grader who would like to attend International School next year need to know that the application window opens TODAY, Monday, December 15 and will close on Friday, January 16 at 4:30 PM.
For more information about the process and for the application, please visit: https://www.bsd405.org/enroll/student-placement/apply-to-choice-schools-and-programs
Our 5th Grade Information Night will be Tuesday, January 13 at 6:30 PM in the IS Gym.
Important Note: Current IS families who have a younger sibling MUST submit the application by January 16 in order to be considered for next year.
| | INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL CLUBS NEWS | | |
ISPTSA FINANCE CLUB: TEXTBOOK RESALE EVENT
Want to improve your AP and SAT scores or sell your old textbooks to younger students?
The ISPTSA Finance Club is hosting a textbook resale event THIS Thursday, December 18, from 3:15–4:15 PM in the Commons! During this event, students can sell old (or new) AP and standardized test prep books, notes, flashcards, and other academic materials, or purchase them at a discounted price. You can also donate materials. This reduces waste and offers a cost-effective solution to help students flourish academically.
PLEASE BRING CASH AND SMALL CHANGE!
Please fill out this form if you or your child will be attending: Textbook Resale Participation Confirmation.
If you have any questions, please email Geneva Kim.
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EVENTS CALENDAR:
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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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 | | |
SCHOOL BOARD APPROVES 2025-26 SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT PLAN
The Bellevue School Board voted on December 4 to approve all School Improvement Plans (SIP) for the 2025-2026 school year.
International School’s plan outlines our roadmap for achieving excellence and aligning with the district's "We Belong, We Learn, We Lead" strategic goals. The plan details our focus areas for the coming year, including specific targets for student success and community engagement.
You can view the finalized 2025-26 School Improvement Plan at the link below:
International School SIP 2025-26 Final PDF
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COMPUTER SCIENCE IS FOR EVERYBODY: CELEBRATING HOUR OF AI AT ARDMORE ELEMENTARY
Ardmore Elementary kicked off Computer Science Education Week in style with two very special guests: Trevor Noah, the renowned comedian and author, and Hadi Partovi, the CEO and co-founder of Code.org. The visit was part of the "Hour of AI" celebration, emphasizing that computer science is for everyone. In addition to the excitement of the special guests, students engaged in learning fundamental computer science concepts such as algorithms and sequencing, while practicing essential collaboration and communication skills.
Read the entire article here. Questions? Contact BSD.
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BSD SCHOOL BOARD WELCOMES RECENTLY ELECTED DIRECTORS
At the regular school board meeting on December 4, Superintendent Dr. Kelly Aramaki officially swore in newly elected Board Directors Tracy Mayclin (District 3) and Jane Aras (District 5). Both directors will serve four-year terms continuing through November 2029. Director Mayclin, a BSD alumna and current parent, brings a strong background in accounting and community service. Director Aras, re-elected to a second term, will continue her role as the board’s legislative representative, advocating for public education funding and resources.
Read the entire article here. Questions? Contact BSD.
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HEALTHY HABITS DURING HOLIDAY BREAKS
BSD shares helpful tips to support students as they transition back to school after the holidays. Families are encouraged to maintain steady sleep routines, allow extra time when returning from travel, and reassure children who may feel anxious about the change.
Read the entire article here. Questions? Contact BSD.
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BSD NEWS AND EVENTS – DECEMBER 11, E-NEWSLETTER (NEW)
The latest issue of the BSD News and Events E-Newsletter is now available. This edition highlights the district’s participation in Computer Science Education Week and introduces the newly sworn-in School Board Directors. It also provides important information for families preparing for the upcoming Open Transfer, Choice Schools, and Language Programs application period, which opens soon. Families are encouraged to read the full newsletter to stay informed on these key district updates.
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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BELLEVUE MONOPOLY IS HERE: SUPPORT THE BELLEVUE SCHOOLS FOUNDATION & INVEST IN EVERY STUDENT
Bellevue MONOPOLY has officially arrived! This isn't just a game, it is a dedicated fundraiser for the Bellevue Schools Foundation, directly funding critical programs that support all Bellevue School District schools and
students.
In this special edition, Bellevue Schools Foundation is featured as the Community Chest, symbolizing the community's investment in our children's future.
Games are available for pre-order now for $40.00 each. 100% of the proceeds go to the Bellevue Schools Foundation to help bridge the gap in state funding and provide transformational opportunities for every student in every classroom.
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How to Order: Visit the Bellevue Schools Foundation website to pre-order your copy.
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Pick Up: You will be notified by email once the stock arrives to pick up your game at the BSF Office.
Buy a game today to own a piece of Bellevue and make a lasting impact on our students' education!
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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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