March 16, 2025

MONDAY MESSENGER

Want to have your art showcased in the Monday Messenger? We are now accepting March and April submissions.


Monday Messenger Art Submission

Please Note: This newsletter may be truncated by your email program.


Please click VIEW ENTIRE MESSAGE at the bottom of the newsletter to read it in full.

Visit Our Website

Donate to PTSA

Translate Newsletter

UPCOMING DATES AND EVENTS

THIS WEEK:

  • Wednesday, 3/18, 7 PM • HS Orchestra Concert
  • Thursday, 3/19, 7 PM • MS Orchestra Concert
  • Saturday, 3/21, 8:00–10:00 PM • TOLO


NEXT WEEK:

  • Monday, 3/23, 7 PM • Band Concert
  • Wednesday, 3/25 • SAT Testing
  • Wednesday, 3/25 • NHS Blood Drive
  • Wednesday, 3/25, 7 PM • MS Choir Concert
  • Thursday, 3/26, 7 PM • HS Choir Concert
  • Friday, 3/27 • No School


LOOKING AHEAD:

  • Wednesday, 4/1 • ASB Elections (Exec)
  • Friday, 4/3 • Third Quarter
  • Monday, 4/6–Friday, 4/10 • Spring Break
  • Wednesday, 4/15 • ASB Elections (Class Officer)
  • Wednesday, 4/15 • PTSA 7th Grade Staff Lunch*
  • Thursday, 4/16, 6:30–7:30 PM • 11th Grade Parent Info
  • Friday, 4/17 • 7–8 MS Social
  • Monday, 4/20 • Drama Workshops
  • Tuesday, 4/21, 6:30–7:30 PM • 8th Grade Parent Info
  • Wednesday, 4/22, 12:00–1:00 PM • ParentEd Talks Webinar
  • Wednesday, 4/22 • Jazz Night
  • Monday, 4/27 – Friday, 5/1 • Spirit Week
  • Monday, 4/27 • Drama Workshops
  • Saturday, 5/2 • ISPTSA Auction*
  • Tuesday, 5/12, 12:00–1:00 PM • ParentEd Talks Webinar
  • Wednesday, 5/13 • PTSA 8th Grade Staff Lunch


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.

SHOUT-OUTS!

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.

The IS MakerSpace wants to share a big THANK YOU to the ISPTSA for the new airbrush, spray booth and paints. This popular new addition to the MakerSpace collection of resources is available school-wide. Stop by the library during lunch if you’d like to try it out!

To our students and families observing Laylat al-Qadr on Monday, March 16, we wish you a peaceful and blessed night. May this time of profound spiritual reflection during Ramadan bring tranquility and joy to your homes.

Wishing a very Happy St. Patrick's Day to all of our students and families celebrating on Tuesday, March 17! May your day be filled with joy, good luck, and plenty of festive green. We hope everyone enjoys a wonderful holiday.

Wishing a happy Nowruz to everyone in our community celebrating the Persian New Year and the arrival of the spring on Friday, March 20. 


May the new year bring you and your loved ones peace, happiness, love, and renewed hope. Here’s to fresh beginnings and a joyful year ahead.


Happy Nowruz!

To our students and families celebrating on Friday, March 20, we wish you a very joyful and blessed Eid al-Fitr. May this special holiday marking the end of Ramadan bring peace, happiness, and wonderful festivities to your homes. Eid Mubarak!

This Saturday, March 21, marks World Down Syndrome Day, a time to celebrate the wonderful individuals in our community. Around the world, many people observe this day by wearing bright or mismatched socks to raise awareness and spark conversations. We wish everyone a fantastic and celebratory weekend!

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL PTSA NEWS

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL NEEDS YOU!

 

The ISPTSA is beginning to organize for the 2026-27 school year. This process starts with a nomination committee identifying people for each of the board roles. These roles are elected during our April PTSA general membership meeting.

 

While there are lots of great people involved in the PTSA, several are reaching their term limits, and we are looking for new leaders to step forward to help lead into the next school year. Please join us in making International School the best it can be for our students, teachers, and families.

 

For more information on roles and to nominate someone (including yourself), please follow this link.

ISPTSA CURRICULUM ENRICHMENT GRANTS: WE'RE STILL OPEN!


The ISPTSA is excited to announce that we still have funds available in our Curriculum Enrichment Grant budget for the current school year! To ensure these resources directly benefit our students as soon as possible, the Board has decided to keep the application window open for ad-hoc reviews. Whether you are looking to bring in a professional clinician, upgrade essential classroom equipment, or provide scholarships for student club competitions, we want to hear from you. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis as they are received. We invite all teachers, staff, and student club advisors to visit the ISPTSA website to submit a request and help us continue to enhance the educational experience for every student at International.

Questions? Email grants@isptsa.org.

CALLING ALL 7TH-GRADE PARENTS!


Our teachers and staff work tirelessly to support our students every day. Now it's our turn to show our appreciation! The Staff Appreciation Lunch on Wednesday, April 15, is the perfect opportunity to give back. Whether you can contribute a dish, drinks, or volunteer an hour of your time, your support will help our staff members feel valued and celebrated. 7th-grade families, let’s lead the way! Please sign up by Monday, April 13, to donate an item or help with setup and serving. Every contribution, big or small, makes a difference.

Thank you for helping us express our gratitude in the tastiest way possible!


Questions? Contact Manchi Leung, 7th Grade Representative

A HUGE THANK YOU TO OUR 6TH GRADE FAMILIES!


This past Wednesday, our 6th-grade families hosted the school-wide staff appreciation lunch. We were thrilled to treat our staff to a PNW-inspired "Hello Spring" menu.


A special thank you to our 7th-grade rep, Manchi, for her guidance! We are also incredibly grateful to our on-site team (Jingyuan, Yingsi, Beth, and Hao for setup, and Beth for speaker/cleanup) and our donors (Ya, Jyoti, Grace, Suh Hyun, Christina, Ferdane, Lisa, Radha, Sravanthi, Golnaz, Noreli, Yiyou, and Ning).


Thank you to our amazing school staff for everything you do! It was our privilege to host for you for this celebration.

SAVE THE DATE: INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL AUCTION NIGHT


Mark your calendars! The International School Auction Night is officially set for May 2.


Get ready for a fun, casino-themed evening. While tickets will be going on sale soon, we are currently looking for your support to make this event a jackpot for our school.


Call for Donations

We are actively seeking contributions for the auction. You can help by donating:

  • Items
  • Experiences
  • Gift cards
  • Talents or time


To make a donation or get involved, please reach out to auction@isptsa.org.


Stay tuned. Ticket sales will be announced soon!

CLASS OF 2026 - ALL-NIGHT GRAD PARTY


Don’t miss out on the party of the year! After years of hard work, it is finally time for our Seniors to celebrate together following the graduation ceremony on June 16.


Secure your tickets now for this unforgettable event!


Event Details:

STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES

NATURE VISION SUMMER CAMP VOLUNTEERS NEEDED


Need volunteer hours? Nature Vision is seeking teens (ages 16+) to help with summer day camps in Redmond, Shoreline, and Bothell. You will assist educators, lead games, and support young campers. This is a great way to earn service hours and boost your college applications.


Camp runs from June 29 to August 8. Choose 1 week slots in the morning (9 AM to 12 PM) or afternoon (1 PM to 3:30 PM).


Apply at naturevision.org/volunteer or email mcard@naturevision.org for more info.

BSD CALENDARS

EVENTS CALENDAR:


CULTURAL CALENDAR:

All Month:

  • March • Women's History Month
  • March • Youth Art Month
  • March • National Nutrition Month
  • March • National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
  • March • Social Work Month
  • March • Music in Our Schools Month
  • April • Arab American Heritage Month
  • April • National Occupational Therapy Month
  • April • Autism Acceptance Month
  • April • Poetry Month
  • April • School Library Month


Specific Days:

  • Sunday, 3/1–Friday, 3/20 • Nineteen Day Fast
  • Monday, 3/16 • Laylat al-Qadr
  • Tuesday, 3/17 • St. Patrick's Day
  • Friday, 3/20 • First Day of Spring
  • Friday, 3/20 • Nowruz
  • Friday, 3/20 • Eid al-Fitr
  • Saturday, 3/21 • World Down Syndrome Day
  • Thursday, 3/26 • Ram Navami
  • Sunday, 3/29 • Palm Sunday
  • Wednesday, 4/1 • Passover
  • Wednesday, 4/1 • Paraprofessional Appreciation Day
  • Thursday, 4/2 • World Autism Awareness Day
  • Friday, 4/3 • Good Friday
  • Saturday, 4/4 • National School Librarian Day


Click here to view all District calendars.

*More information in the message below

Orange denotes new/updated calendar entries

BELLEVUE SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS

SUPERINTENDENT'S BLOG: BELLEVUE BRIGHT SPOTS


The latest edition of the Superintendent's Blog is now available. This update highlights recent positive news, achievements, and bright spots from around our school district. Read the entire article here.

STATE AWARD FOR EDUCATIONAL EXCELLENCE


The Bellevue School District has recently been recognized with a State Award for Educational Excellence. We are proud to share the details of this achievement with our students and families. Read the entire article here.

2026 GRADUATION AND PROMOTION CEREMONIES


Information regarding the schedules and details for the upcoming 2026 graduation and promotion ceremonies has been published. Families of graduating and promoting students can review the exact dates and locations. Read the entire article here.

DISTRICT FINANCIAL HEALTH AND ENROLLMENT SNAPSHOT


A new update detailing the current financial health and an enrollment snapshot for the Bellevue School District is now available. This report provides a factual overview of the district's budget and student numbers. Read the entire article here.

MARCH 12 BSD NEWS AND EVENTS E-NEWSLETTER (NEW)


The newest edition of the Bellevue School District News and Events newsletter is now available for families to review. This issue features the latest Superintendent Blog, details on the district's recent statewide recognition, access to the new Course Catalog, and important dates for upcoming district events.


Read the entire newsletter here. Don't receive the district newsletter? Sign up here! You can see all newsletters here. Questions? Contact BSD.

COMMUNITY NEWS

CITY OF BELLEVUE SUMMER CAMP OPEN HOUSE


The City of Bellevue is hosting a drop-in Open House to help families prepare for summer programs. Staff will provide support with creating CivicRec accounts, registering for activities, and applying for financial aid.


Eligible residents can receive up to $700 per person for classes or $1,200 per youth for day camps. Interpreters are available.


See the attached flyer for event details and required forms. Questions? Contact Hcuellar@bellevuewa.gov.

USEFUL LINKS

SUPPORT OUR ISPTSA

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.

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.

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

President

Jennifer Green Li

Secretary

Ji Gao

Ying Chen

Treasurer 1

Ying Ku

Treasurer 2

Amy Liang

VP of Communications

Judy Cam

Surbhee Agrawal

VP's of Community

Farangis Sepheri

Kai Gao

VP's of Fundraising

OPEN

VP's of Outreach

Yue Mao

Yueyi Luan

Membership Chair

Amanda Johnson

Grants

Qiang Zeng

Grants Procurement

Melissa Richardson

Monday Messenger

Jennifer Green Li

Advocacy

Prabina Dahal

Member-at-Large

Phil Bloch

IS Staff Liaison

Lisa Neshyba

Nidhi Chaturvedi

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 


IS School Website

IS Staff Directory

Bellevue School District Website

Bellevue Schools Foundation 

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


Monday Messenger Artwork Submissions

SUPPORT YOUR PTSA
Donate Anytime!
Preferred
or
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

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. If your article is longer than 600 characters, we will edit for length and then attach a document that contains the entire article.
  • Please include contact information for questions from readers. If no contact is included, the email used to send the submission will be used.
  • 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
Stay Social With Us:
Facebook