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WINTER BREAK
No school TODAY, Monday, December 22 through Friday, January 2. Classes will resume after the break on Monday, January 5.
Wishing our International School Community a wonderful and safe Winter Break and a Happy New Year! Monday Messenger will take a break and will be back in touch on Monday, January 12.
| | UPCOMING DATES AND EVENTS | | |
THIS WEEK:
- Monday, 12/22–Friday, 1/2 • No School (Winter Break)
LOOKING AHEAD:
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Monday, 1/5 • School Back in Session
- Wednesday, 1/7, 7–9 PM • School Funding Regional Town Hall*
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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 • ISPTSA S2 Grant Application Deadline (Date Change)*
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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.
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Congratulations to the Titan Robotics FTC team, who competed in the Hawking Tournament on the weekend at Mt Si High School! They competed in the playoffs with an alliance and won 2nd place for the Inspire Award. When all the points were tallied, the team was in 3rd place out of 22 teams.
Our 17 team members will head to the Capek Super Qualifier in January. Go Titan Robotics!
https://ftc-events.firstinspires.org/2025/USWAHALT/advancementpoints
| | Thank you to the ISPTSA for sponsoring the T-shirts for the 6th Grade Retreat with a $600.00 grant. These shirts help build a strong sense of community and school spirit among our newest students. We are grateful for your contribution to this memorable event. | | The High School Retreat was a great success thanks to the ISPTSA’s $721.00 grant for professional DJ services. The music added wonderful energy to the event and gave students a fantastic chance to bond and celebrate together. Thank you for making this experience possible. | | Thank you to the ISPTSA for the substantial $2,000.00 grant to support the Theatre department. This funding is vital for our productions and helps provide our student actors and technicians with the resources they need to shine on stage. We deeply appreciate your continued partnership. | |
We are very thankful to the ISPTSA for the grant of $714.81 used to purchase additional badminton racquets. This new equipment ensures that more students can participate fully and enjoy the sport during practice and games. Thank you for supporting our student athletes. | | INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL PTSA NEWS | | |
LEVIES FUND PROGRAMS AND SERVICES NOT FULLY COVERED BY THE STATE
Did you know state funding doesn't cover all student needs? Two replacement levies are on the February 10 ballot to bridge the gap. These levies make up 24% of the district's general fund, supporting critical areas like classroom technology, cybersecurity, safety upgrades, and building maintenance. These are not new taxes but renewals of existing support. Learn more about how Propositions 1 and 2 ensure every student has access to safe, engaging learning environments below.
ISPTSA voted to pass a resolution in favor of both Propositions 1 and 2 at the October 29 General Membership Meeting and approved a line item in our budget to donate to Bellevue Quality Schools to help support spreading the word.
Read the BSD article here. Find out more information from Bellevue Quality Schools, donate, and volunteer to help spread the word here.
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DEADLINE CHANGED
The new deadline for the Semester 2 Grants application will be Friday, January 23!
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.
| | BELLEVUE GIFTED ALLIANCE UPCOMING EVENTS | | |
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 IN OLYMPIA ON JANUARY 19!
Come advocate to close the funding gaps and ensure financial stability for schools and other vital issues that impact students around the state. We need no cuts for kids and a long-term plan to amply fund K-12 moving forward! Register for Focus Day today!
Check out the Focus on Advocacy toolkit for details on how to schedule legislator meetings, how to conduct meetings, a checklist for success, and 2026 legislator meeting talking points.
WSPTA March for K-12 Funding
As part of Focus Day, we are going to march to raise our collective voice for strong school funding!
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Meet: Flag Circle on the sidewalk near the North stairs
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Time: 1:30 PM
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Theme: Kids are an investment, not an expense!
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Signs: Handheld signs encouraged (no sticks allowed inside Capitol). A sign-making table will be available in the Columbia Room during Focus Day.
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Dress Code: Wear your PTA BLUE!
Focus on Advocacy Week: January 26-30
Throughout the week, WSPTA will send Action Alerts to members who have signed up to help. Each Action Alert will provide easily customizable messages that our Action Network system will automatically send to your legislators. It is easy to do and only takes a few minutes. Get ready to participate by signing up for action alerts.
Join the WSPTA Action Network
The WSPTA Action Network is used throughout the legislative session to raise our collective voices and send messages to legislators. When you sign up, you’ll receive timely alerts about legislation, funding, and policy decisions affecting public education and the well-being of children, youth, and families in Washington. It is easy to do and only takes a few minutes. Join our Action Network now!
Be Part of the Conversation by Joining our Digital Space!
The 2026 Washington state legislative session is just around the corner, bringing countless opportunities to go to bat for kids in a challenging advocacy environment.
Advocacy is a team sport—fast-moving, at times complex, and most effective when we work together. That’s why the WSPTA Advocacy Team has launched a new digital space where members can: ask questions, share ideas, and build connections. Sign up today!
| | INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL NEWS | | |
BITE OF IS RETURNS!
We are excited to start planning and announcing the Bite of IS!
Check out the Bite of IS 2024 Video Clip created by Wesley Hung!
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The Bite of IS is a multicultural potluck event held annually in the International School Gym. At the Bite, students, family members, and staff all contribute a culturally significant dish to serve to attendees from their booths. We encourage you to host a booth as an individual, a club, or as families coming together. We are also looking for cultural performances! Students and their guests have the opportunity to perform an act tied to their ethnic background (dance, song, etc.) and can perform solo or in groups for visitors during the event.
This year, proceeds from the Bite of IS will go to Renewal Food Bank, a very local organization supporting our Bellevue families with food assistance and essential hygiene items. Sign-ups for booths and performers are now open, and participation, as well as attendance, is strongly encouraged. The Bite is a great opportunity to embrace the diversity found within our community!
The Bite of IS will take place on Wednesday, February 11, from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM.
Sign up today to support Renewal Food Bank and International School!
Questions? Email Dahlia Parekh or Kaiya Jones.
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NURSE'S CORNER
Dear IS School families and community members,
It has been an honor to serve as your school nurse over the past five years. My time at the International School has been especially meaningful, thanks to the opportunity to care for such remarkable, bright, and unique students. Celebrating their achievements and supporting them through challenges has been a true privilege. As I transition to a new role as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, I want to express my deep gratitude for the warmth and spirit that make this school community so exceptional—I will miss you all.
As both a healthcare professional and a parent of a teenager, I understand that raising adolescents brings both great joy and real complexity. In my experience, communication between parents and teens often becomes “muted”—with parents doing most of the talking while teens withdraw or become defensive. Yet, maintaining a strong connection is especially important during these years of rapid change.
With the 2025 holiday season approaching and families spending more time together, I encourage you to focus on listening with calm and without judgment. When teens share their concerns, what they need most is a safe space that is your hug or lap—not a lecture. Lecturing can feel condescending and often shuts down conversation, particularly when a teen is upset or facing a crisis. Please prioritize the genuine connection over control which strengthens your relationship and supports their growth.
For further guidance, I am sharing articles from the American Academy of Pediatrics that offer helpful strategies for communicating with teens.
Wishing you a joyful holiday season and a wonderful year ahead.
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 is open NOW 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.
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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 VACANCY AND NOMINATION PROCESS FOR DISTRICT 4
Apply by Wednesday, January 7: The Bellevue School District has announced a vacancy on the School Board for District 4. Community members are invited to participate in the nomination process to help identify qualified candidates who are committed to serving BSD students and families. Details about eligibility, timelines, and how to submit nominations are available on the district website. Your participation supports strong leadership for our schools.
Read the entire article here. Questions? Contact BSD.
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SUPERINTENDENT'S BLOG: GRATITUDE AS WE CLOSE OUT 2025
Superintendent Aramaki shares his gratitude for the BSD community's partnership and excellence. He highlights opportunities for the 2026-27 school year, including Open Transfer and Choice School applications (open until January 16) and an opening on the School Board for District 4 (apply by January 7). Families are also invited to a Town Hall on school funding on January 7 at Newport High School. Let’s build a beloved community together in the new year!
Read the entire article here. Questions? Contact BSD.
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WINTER BREAK WELLNESS AND IMMUNIZATION REMINDER
As Winter Break approaches, BSD Health Services encourages families to focus on well-being and preventive health. With cold and flu season here, please ensure your student’s immunizations, including flu shots, are up to date. The break is also a great time to review "Too Sick for School" guidelines and access mental health resources like Care Solace if needed. Enjoy a restful, safe, and healthy holiday season!
Read the entire article here. Questions? Contact BSD.
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BSD NEWS AND EVENTS: DECEMBER 19 E-NEWSLETTER (NEW)
The latest BSD News and Events E-Newsletter is now available! This issue features Superintendent Aramaki's end-of-year message, vital information about the upcoming levy renewals, and health resources for Winter Break. Stay informed about district updates, including the Open Transfer period and opportunities to advocate for public education funding. Read the full newsletter on the district website to ensure you are up to date before 2026 begins!
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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MIDDLE & HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAMS
Boys & Girls Clubs of Bellevue has teen centers serving middle and high school students!
We provide programs for homework assistance, athletics, art, and technology. For more information, visit our website or call 425-429-3203.
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Grades 6-8: Downtown Clubhouse, Highland Middle School, Lake Hills Clubhouse, South Bellevue Community Center
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Grades 6-12: Lake Hills Clubhouse
Questions? Contact admin@bgcbellevue.org | 425 - 454 - 6162
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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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