February 5, 2024

MONDAY MESSENGER

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SHOUT-OUTS!

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

Thank you very much for our amazing grade level parent representatives: Kai Gao and Donald Wang (6th grade); Jin Xu (7th grade); Monica Mankotia (8th grade); Jenny Lin (9th grade); Angelika Koch-Leibmann and Renuka Gretchell (10th grade); Dean Voth, Nisha Nathani and Anindita Banerjee (11th grade) and Courtney Stanton and Sophia Cheng (12th grade). We finally filled our last grade-level representative spot and we are excited and ready for all the fun events coming up this school year!

Last week was National School Counseling Week. We want to say thank you to our entire school counseling department: Colleen Courtney (high school counselor), Arty Christianto (middle school counselor), Melissa Odegaard (MHAT counselor), Alison Christensen (MHAT counselor), Don Prosek (school psychologist), Jill Follett (counseling secretary), and Katherine Parkin (registrar). You truly make a difference in our lives and we are grateful every day.

THIS WEEK:

• Monday, 2/12–Friday 2/16 • Scholastic Book Fair*
• Wednesday, 2/14 • Staff Appreciation Luncheon Hosted by Our Chinese Community

NEXT WEEK:

• Monday, 2/19–Friday 2/23 • No School (Mid-Winter Break)

LOOKING AHEAD:

• Wednesday, 2/28, 2–4 PM • iJazz Clinic
• Wednesday, 2/28 • HS Band 1 Eastshore
• Friday, 3/1, 7 PM • IS Drama: Amelie the Musical
• Saturday, 3/2, 2 PM & 7 PM • IS Drama: Amelie the Musical
• Wednesday, 3/6 • Staff Appreciation Luncheon Hosted by the 11th Grade Families
• Wednesday, 3/6, 1:30–7 PM • IS Red Cross Club Blood Drive*
• Wednesday, 3/6, 5–9 PM • Senior Class Chipotle Fundraiser
• Thursday, 3/7, 8:30 AM–3 PM • HS Orchestra 1 Eastshore
• Thursday, 3/7, 8:30 AM–3 PM • HS Choir 1 Eastshore
• Friday, 3/8 • iJazz: DeMiero Jazz Festival
• Friday, 3/8, 7 PM • IS Drama: Amelie the Musical
• Saturday, 3/9, 2 PM & 7 PM • IS Drama: Amelie the Musical
• Tuesday, 3/12, 7 PM • HS Band Concert
• Wednesday, 3/13, 7 PM • HS Orchestra Concert
• Thursday, 3/14, 8:30 AM–3 PM • HS Choir 2 Eastshore
• Thursday, 3/14, 6 PM • 11th Grade Parent Night Pt. 2
• Thursday, 3/14, 7 PM • MS Orchestra Concert
• Saturday, 3/16 • iJazz: Commencement Bay Jazz Competition
• Monday, 3/18, 7 PM • HS Choir Concert
• Tuesday, 3/19, 8:30 AM–3 PM • HS Band 2 Eastshore
• Tuesday, 3/19, 8:30 AM–3 PM • Orchestra 2 Eastshore
• Tuesday, 3/19, 7 PM • MS Choir Concert
• Wednesday, 3/20 • SAT (Juniors)
• Friday, 3/22 • School Open (Make-up Day)
• Wednesday, 3/27, 1:45 PM • Le Grand Concours*
• Thursday, 3/28, 7 PM • MS Band Concert

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.

THE SCHOLASTIC BOOK FAIR IS HERE!

Join us in the International School Library, THIS WEEK, Tuesday, February 13-Friday, February 16 to shop our book fair before school, at lunch and after school (in class preview day, Monday, February 12). Credit cards, cash, and eWallet accepted.

Visit our school's custom Scholastic homepage for additional details and book previews.

We still need more parent volunteers; we can't do it without you. Sign up here. Time slots are short and fun and you can shop while you work!

Questions? Contact Amanda Johnson, ISPTSA Treasurer 1.

ISPTSA MEMBERSHIP

All ISPTSA members are Washington State PTA and National PTA members. Please click the link to the websites WSPTA member discounts and National PTA member offers for special member discounts, such as: 15% off concert and event tickets at the Seattle Symphony;  25% Off Rentals at Avis Car Rentals; 30% off at Great Wolf Lodge; Special Rates for Printing at FedEx Office; and much more.

We are inviting every IS family to join ISPTSA to help us reach the 100% membership goal and help you with some amazing discounts. Please Sign in to Renew OR Click here to Join today!

Questions? Contact membership@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
• 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):

• Staff Appreciation Chair

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

WASHINGTON STATE PTA NEWS

STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES

WSPTA Scholarship Application Due Date – February 15

Graduating high school seniors in Washington who attend a school with an active PTA are eligible for the WSPTA scholarship. Students must apply via the online application (located here, under Student Programs: https://wspta.smapply.io/) by February 15.

WSPTA Essay Contest Entry Due Date – February 15

Washington students grades K-12 attending a school with an active PTA may apply for the WSPTA Essay Contest via the online application (located here, under Student Programs: https://wspta.smapply.io/). The due date is February 15.

Questions? Email support@wastatepta.org.

NATIONAL PTA NEWS

2024 NATIONAL PTA VIRTUAL REFLECTIONS STUDENT ARTS SHOWCASE

This celebration on Wednesday, January 31, recognized all national winners from the 2022-2023 "Show Your Voice" Reflections program. It featured over 20 short interviews with select student artists—and a few special guests—discussing their award-winning artwork.

National PTA received over 900 student entries from 44 state PTA congresses in all the available arts categories. Of those submissions, we are thrilled to have awarded over 200 student artists on the national level. View winners here. Find out more about the Reflections program here. Questions? Contact info@pta.org.

NOTES FROM THE BACKPACK

Real Experts. Real Parents. Real Conversations.

A Podcast for Parents, by Parents. Notes from the Backpack is a PTA podcast designed for millions of parents and the decision-makers they influence.

Latest Episode: Behind the Scenes in the School Cafeteria

How can families partner with schools to ensure their children are enjoying nutritious meals? Our hosts talked with Briana Webster Campbell, the managing director of Center for Best Practices at No Kid Hungry to get an inside look into the school cafeteria. Briana shares how schools determine what foods to serve, how families can get more involved and why your child’s cinnamon roll may be healthier than you think! Listen here. Questions? Contact info@pta.org.

LE GRAND CONCOURS

The French Department at International School invites students to join Le Grand Concours, an annual French language competition by AATF. It's nationally recognized and endorsed by NASSP. The contest, on Wednesday, March 27 at 1:45 PM, lasts 1 hour 15 minutes, in person at the school. Fee: $6/student, due by Friday, March 1. Read more here. Questions? Contact your French teacher.

IS RED CROSS CLUB BLOOD DRIVE

The IS Red Cross Club is holding a blood drive in the school library on Wednesday, March 6 from 1:30 PM to 7:00 PM. It is open to parents, staff, and students aged 16 and over. The drive is run by The American Red Cross (which is different from Bloodworks NW). If you are willing to donate, please scan the QR code to

sign up for a time slot. No QR scanner? Use this link. You will be prompted to create a Red Cross Account and then the site will take you to the page where you choose a time slot.  Students aged 16 and 17 need to get parental permission. Students should see Julie Reeder in Room 210 to pick up a permission form. Questions? Email Julie Reeder, IS Math Department Chair.

PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER NEEDED!

Attention Titan parents: Are you a professional photographer? Do you enjoy photography or photoshop as a hobby? Please volunteer your time and talents to enrich the Focus Week experience for students! We are flexible and can work around your schedule. Please email Janet Towne at townej@bsd405.org to communicate your willingness to support Focus Week and our student photographers. 

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL UPDATE

An International School Update was sent through email on Monday, February 5 to all current IS families with great updates. Questions? Email the IS Main Office.

STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES

EMP HACKFEST

EmP Hackfest is excited to announce that we are hosting our free spring hackathon for middle and high schoolers! This iteration will be held virtually from February 18 to February 19. 

Participants will collaborate in teams of 2-5 to solve a theme-related issue. During the hackathon, teams will research, design, and create their own original product! There will also be a plethora of workshops, giving teams a multitude of chances to learn about technical and soft skills in order to aid themselves.

Sign up here. Find out more information here. If you have any further questions, you can contact us at emp.hackathon@gmail.com.

VOLUNTEER HOURS

Cherry Crest Elementary is hosting a Variety Show on Friday, March 15 from 5:30-8:30 PM and we need your help! We are looking for high school volunteers who are interested in helping with setup/cleanup, backstage management, helping performers get ready, photography/videography, concession stand management, being ushers, and more.

• What: Cherry Crest Elementary Variety Show
• When:  Friday, March 15, 5:30-8:30 PM
• Where:  Cherry Crest Elementary (12400 NE 32nd St, Bellevue, WA 98005)

Please help us make the evening a success! No experience required, volunteer hours available. Sign up here. More instructions will come as we get closer to the event. If you have any questions, please contact varietyshow@cherrycrest-ptsa.org.

THE YEAR OF THE DRAGON BEGINS

Saturday, February 10, marked the start of Lunar New Year celebrations and ushered in the Year of the Dragon based on the Chinese zodiac calendar. Over one billion people worldwide celebrate Lunar New Year over multiple days with a variety of traditions. Lunar New Year begins with the rise of the first new moon and spans about 15 days until the full moon. Read more here. Questions? Contact BSD

ARABIC LANGUAGE EVENING ON FEBRUARY 28

Middle and high school students and families are invited to learn about 2024-2025 online Arabic class offerings at the Arabic Language Evening on Wednesday, February 28, from 5:30 to 7:30 PM. Read more here. Questions? Please email chaabanm@bsd405.org.

COMMUNITY AWARENESS - RISE IN CYBER KIDNAPPING SCHEMES

Cyber kidnappings aim to get an individual to believe that a loved one has been kidnapped, is in immediate danger and a ransom must be paid. These schemes often involve the use of technology such as artificial intelligence voice spoofing, caller ID spoofing, and social media activity to convince unsuspecting victims to pay money. BSD Safety and Security provides some guidance to our learning community in the event they become impacted by a cyber kidnapping scheme. Read more here. Questions? Contact BSD.

BSD CELEBRATES BLACK HISTORY MONTH

Black History Month is an annual opportunity to recognize the significant role Black Americans have played throughout history and celebrate African American achievements. Read more here. Questions? Contact BSD.

SUPERINTENDENT'S BLOG: SCHOOL BOARD RECOGNITION MONTH

Superintendent Aramaki shares a message with the BSD community celebrating School Board Recognition Month. Read more here. Questions? Contact BSD.

ATTEND THE BSD CERTIFICATED STAFF JOB FAIR

Attend the BSD Certificated Staff Job Fair on Saturday, February 10, to learn about certificated positions in the district. Read more here. Questions? Contact BSD.

BSD NEWSLETTER

An e-newsletter was sent to BSD staff and families on Thursday, February 8. Learn about the 2024 College Conference Series, nominate someone or apply to join the school board, sign up to attend informational events, and more. Read it here. Don't receive the district newsletter? Sign up here! You can see all newsletters here. Questions? Contact BSD.

POLARIS AT EASTGATE

New Affordable Housing in Bellevue.  Polaris at Eastgate, located at 13300 SE Eastgate Way, is a brand-new community in the heart of Bellevue that is available to qualifying families. In the spring of 2024, there will be 360 available units, and they will be filled on a first-come, first-serve basis. Interested families can learn about the documentation requirements to qualify. For assistance with the application, contact Bellevue LifeSpring. For more information on qualifications, call 425-946-2562 or email polarisateastgatewa-br@m.knck.io.

SPRING GIRLS BASKETBALL - STARTING MARCH 21st!

Starting March 21, join us at the Tyee Middle School Gym for Spring Skills Training. Our coaches will help the girls work on their basketball skills and organize scrimmages. The fee is $150 and it is open to girls of all experience levels in 2nd – 8th grade who are zoned for Newport High School!  Most sessions will be on Tue/Thu and it runs through May 30. Based on skill level, there will be 2 time slots:

• 6:15-7:45 PM: Beginner/Intermediate skill level
• 7:45-9:15 PM: Advanced skill level

Register here. Questions? Email newportgirlsselectbasketball@gmail.com.

BLACK HISTORY MONTH EXHIBIT AT BELLEVUE CITY HALL: 'ELEVATING VOICES'

In celebration of Black History Month, the City of Bellevue, in partnership with Seattle architecture firm MG2 and Onyx Fine Arts Collective, is presenting the exhibit “Elevating Voices,” featuring the work of 17 Pacific Northwest Black artists.

• When: OPEN NOW through Thursday, February 29
• Cost: FREE
• Where: Bellevue City Hall

Curated by Jay Taylor, an associate at MG2, the exhibit includes paintings, photography, sculptures, textiles, and fashion. The exhibit will be on display and open to the public throughout the month of February on the City Hall concourse. Find out more here. Questions? Email diversity@bellevuewa.gov

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

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.