April 22, 2024

MONDAY MESSENGER

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UPCOMING DATES AND EVENTS

THIS WEEK:

  • Monday, 4/22–Friday, 4/26 • Spirit Week
  • Wednesday, 4/24, 7 PM • Jazz Dessert Night*
  • Thursday, 4/25, 6:30 PM • ISPTSA General Membership Meeting*
  • Saturday, 4/27, 8 PM • Prom


NEXT WEEK:

  • Tuesday, 4/30, 6 PM • National Honor Society Induction Ceremony
  • Thursday, 5/2, 8 AM • Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast*
  • Thursday, 5/2, 6 PM • French Exchange Interest Meeting*


LOOKING AHEAD:

  • Monday, 5/6–Friday, 5/17 • AP Testing
  • Monday, 5/6–Friday, 5/10 • Staff Appreciation Week
  • Friday, 5/10, 7 PM • MS Social
  • Wednesday, 5/8 • Staff Appreciation Luncheon Hosted by the 8th Grade Families*
  • Monday, 5/20–Friday, 5/24 • Focus Week
  • Monday, 5/27 • No School (Memorial Day)
  • Tuesday, 5/28–Friday, 5/31 • Testing Week
  • Wednesday, 5/29 • Senior Board Day
  • Tuesday, 6/4, 6 PM • MS Band Concert
  • Tuesday, 6/4, 7 PM • HS Band Concert
  • Wednesday, 6/5 • Seniors & Staff Luncheon Hosted by the 12th Grade Families
  • Wednesday, 6/5, 6 PM • MS Orchestra Concert
  • Wednesday, 6/5, 7 PM • HS Orchestra Concert
  • Thursday, 6/6, 11:15 AM–12:25 PM • 5th Grade Visit
  • Friday, 6/7, 7 PM • Moving Up Dance
  • Monday, 6/10 • Déjeuner en Blanc
  • Monday, 6/10, 6 PM • MS Choir Concert
  • Monday, 6/10, 7 PM • HS Choir Concert
  • Tuesday, 6/11 • Commencement Rehearsal
  • Thursday, 6/13, 7:30 PM • Class of 2024 Commencement
  • Thursday, 6/13–Friday, 6/14 • Seniors Grad Party*
  • Thursday, 6/13–Friday, 6/14 • Laptop Collection
  • Tuesday, 6/18 • Last Day of School
  • Monday, 8/19–Friday, 8/23 • Class of 2025 College Boot Camp*


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.

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL PTSA NEWS

GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING


Please join us for the ISPTSA General Membership Meeting THIS Thursday, April 25 at 6:30 PM in the IS Commons.


  • FREE Catered Dinner
  • RSVP Here
  • Speakers:
  • Principal Russell White
  • Guest Speaker Dan Davidson & IS Finance Club
  • Voting:
  • 2024-2025 ISPTSA Board
  • 2024-2025 Preliminary Budget
  • Q&A


Please review the meeting minutes from the Thursday, January 18 General Membership Meeting for approval at the meeting. We will send out the budget as soon as we have finalized it. We need a quorum to pass any votes, so please be sure to attend!


For more information, please refer to the E-Blast sent out on April 10. Questions? Email Emilie Castle and Qiong Chen, Co-Presidents.

SLATE OF NOMINATIONS


The Nominations committee would like to announce the ISPTSA Board Slate of Nominations for the 2024-2025 School Year:

  • President: Jennifer Li
  • Treasurer 1: Amanda Johnson
  • Treasurer 2: Open
  • Secretary: Li Zhang
  • VP of Communications: Emilie Castle
  • Co-VPs of Community: Maggie Lo & Farangis Sepehri
  • VP of Fundraising: Melissa Richardson
  • Co-VPs of Outreach: Shan Angela Gao & Yue Mao


Nominations are now closed. Nominations will be opened again at the General Membership Meeting on April 25 and will be accepted from the floor.


Position descriptions can be accessed here or here. Position training will be provided.


Questions? Contact the Nominations Committee.

CLASS OF 2024 GRAD NIGHT PARTY TICKETS


To provide a fun and safe way for our seniors to celebrate the ending of their high school career with their friends, the PTSA hosts a Grad Night party for International Seniors! Tickets are on sale now and you don't want to miss this! Please click here to register and purchase tickets.


It's a long standing IS tradition that ALL seniors attend and it's the last time you will all get to celebrate together! We would really appreciate you purchasing your ticket as soon as possible - it will really help us with the planning process! This event will occur directly after graduation on Thursday, June 13 until 6 AM the next morning. The locations are kept secret until that night, but the graduates will enjoy fun locales, food, and activities. This event is for seniors only! Questions? Email SeniorChair@isptsa.org.

DEAR 8TH GRADE FAMILIES


On behalf of ISPTSA, I wanted to extend our sincere gratitude for your participation in the recent parent meet. Your presence and engagement are invaluable to us and we truly appreciate your commitment to supporting our school community.


We hope you found the parent meet informative. We look forward to your continued support and involvement in future events. Together, we can make a positive difference in the lives of our students and enhance the educational journey for all.


Thanks,

Monica Mankotia 

(8th G Parent Rep.) 

7TH GRADE STAFF APPRECIATION LUNCHEON


We wanted to express our heartfelt thanks for the following 7th grade parent volunteers who made the Staff Appreciation Lunch on April 3 joyful and memorable!

Deana Ahn

Renata Akalin

MJ Jung

Kerry Fujioka Hill

Vera Ho

Jingyuan Huang

Silvia Hui

Caroline Keene

Jennifer Li

Maggie Lo

Yueyi Luan

Yue Mai

Yumiko Orimoto

DongHui Pan

Sylvie Sanguin

Pael Sengupta

Farangis Sepehri

Ryan Shaw

Ivory Su

Jin Xu

Your efforts contributed significantly to the success of the event, and we are truly grateful for your time and energy. Whether you helped with food preparation, planning, organizing, serving, or cleaning up, your support was vital, and we appreciate everything you did! Questions? Contact Yue Mai and Jin Xu, 7th Grade Parent Reps.

8TH GRADE FAMILIES STAFF APPRECIATION LUNCHEON


8th Grade families will be hosting the Staff Appreciation Luncheon on Wednesday, May 8. If you are an 8th Grade family please sign up here to donate food and to help set up or clean up. The theme is finger foods! Questions? Email parent-rep2028@isptsa.org.

BELLEVUE COUNCIL PTSA NEWS

REFLECTIONS ART EXHIBIT

Check out the Bellevue Council PTSA Reflections Art Exhibit in the Factoria Mall NOW through Friday, May 10. There are International School students being displayed! Questions? Email Callia Kwan.

SCHOOL NEWS

FRENCH EXCHANGE INTEREST MEETING FOR 9TH GRADERS


Every year, International School organizes an exchange program/trip to France for 10th grade students. The trip offers a unique way for our students to connect with French culture, make new friends, and experience the life of a French family. IS students are partnered with French students from the city of Nantes. If you have a student in 9th grade who is considering joining the exchange next year, you are invited to attend an interest meeting on Thursday, May 2 at 6 PM in the IS library. For additional information, please contact Gwen Geslin at geslinm@bsd405.org.

IS LIBRARY THANKS PTSA


Thank You ISPTSA for the 2023-2024 budget line grant!


Forty six fiction, non-fiction books and graphic novels have been added to our library collections thanks to our PTSA $750 budget line grant.


These books help us to expand our students’ learning resources and promote the love of independent reading among our students from 6th to 12th grades.


Thank you ISPTSA for your generosity!


Please click here to view our full PTSA 2023-2024 grant collection.


Questions? Email Michele Dang, Library specialist

IS JAZZ DESSERT NIGHT


International School Jazz Dessert Night, April 24 7:00pm in the Commons!

The Jazz Dessert Night is a shared event with the iJazz and Jazz Band. We transform the International Commons into a jazz club for the evening, with both groups taking turns performing. Beverages along with desserts and light snacks are provided. This is a relaxed event and a great opportunity to invite other community members to International to hear the groups perform. We also run a donation fundraiser to support the jazz programs. Questions? Email Joanne Whang.

VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION BREAKFAST


Hello International School Parents/Guardians! We are so grateful for all the support you’ve provided and all the time you’ve committed to our school and our success. You make our school amazing and welcoming! We would like to show you a small token of gratitude for volunteering at International School and invite you to our Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast on Thursday, May 2 at 8 AM in the International School Commons. We hope you can join us! Please RSVP by April 30 here. Thank you so much for all you do!


Questions? Contact Arty Christianto.

2024-25 YEARBOOK STAFF APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN! 


Do you know that our yearbook is created by students in a club? Now is your chance to flex your creative side and be part of this dynamic team. Students in grades 6-11 are invited to apply to be on next year's yearbook staff. We meet every Thursday after school from September through March. Apply here by 11:59 PM Monday, April 29.


Questions? Contact Jill, Yearbook Advisor, at follettj@bsd405.org.

A CALL TO ACTION FROM AN IS STUDENT


Do you want to help improve the future of this school? Help advocate for the future of the IS facility at the school board meetings on Thursday, May 2. I believe that each of you has something you could share which would demonstrate the importance of the IS facility. Sharing this may take the form of a 2-minute spoken comment or written comment sent to the school board. To share your interest in helping fight for the future of the IS facility, please fill out this form.

 

Thank You, Nate Bloch(s-blochn@bsd405.org)

STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES

HS VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY


Community Service Hours helping Van Gogh Art Camps!

 

Art Camp ‘Go Go with Van Gogh’ at beautiful Kelsey Creek Farm is looking for volunteers to assist art instructor with campers’ full day of art activities, drawing, painting, printmaking, collage, mixed media and sketching on the farm. 

 

  • These “Counselors in Training” volunteer positions are a one-week commitment M-F 9:15 AM-3:15 PM.
  • Weeks to choose from are June 24-28, July 1-3, July 8-12, July 15-19, Aug 5-9, Aug 12-16.
  • You must be 15 years of age, able to follow directions and assess what might be needed to be helpful.
  • Looking for 2-3 volunteers per week, so students are welcome to volunteer with friends.

 

Requires a friendly, positive attitude and must enjoy being with children 6-11 years of age. The week will also consist of helping to pass out art supplies, cleaning up messes, and playing with art campers on the playground during recess. Volunteer position hours are documented by Kelsey Creek Farm for your official community service; that enriches you and this art program. 

 

Please email Diane@DianeCulhaneArt.com if you are interested or have any questions.

STUDENT VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY AT PUESTA DEL SOL


Middle and High School students are invited to volunteer at Puesta del Sol's STEM FAIR Event THIS Wednesday, April 24 for shifts ranging in time between 2-9 PM. This event is inside Puesta del Sol's gym. Transportation is not provided. Sign-up here by TODAY, Monday, April 22.


High School Students can receive community service hours for their time (please use events@puestadelsolpta.org in x2VOL). Please note that all volunteers and their guardians will need to be okay with not having direct, adult supervision. Questions? Email events@puestadelsolpta.org

BELLEVUE SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS

INNOVATION IN LANGUAGE ACCESS: OUR COMMITMENT TO BELOVED COMMUNITY


New state requirements for school districts regarding language access for families, communities, and public schools were set forth last school year. These were not limits but great starting points for improving language access for our learning community. The Bellevue School District is among the first in the state to assign a language access coordinator as a full-time administrative role. Read more here. Questions? Contact BSD.

BSD NEWSLETTER


An e-newsletter was sent to BSD staff and families on Thursday, April 11. 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.

COMMUNITY NEWS

BE A DIFFERENCE-MAKER FOR DISADVANTAGED YOUTH!


Treehouse and YMCA need your support to provide new/gently worn trendy clothing and sports equipment, as well as funds, to help local youth. Treehouse and YMCA are organizations dedicated to creating opportunities for young people to thrive and reach their full potential.


Your contribution will make an impact. To help support, you can donate funds through Treehouse Donations or come to the Northtowne Park parking lot on Sunday, April 28 between 2:00-5:00 PM to drop off clothing and sports equipment.


If you have any questions, email laurenhdex@gmail.com!

TYEE MAKERS' MARKET


Tyee students want to invite BSD Families and Community Members to attend Tyee Makers' Market THIS Friday, April 26. It will be held in Tyee Commons from 6:30 - 9:00 PM


There would be 30+ student vendors who are eager to market their crafts and food items.


Invite your neighbors and friends to come support our students' entrepreneurial endeavors!


Questions? Email Christin Aminoto.

BOY SCOUT INTEREST NIGHT, BELLEVUE TROOP 438


Monday, May 13, 7:30 – 8:45 PM


Have you thought about your child joining Boy Scouts? Now is the perfect time for 11-13 year olds to start scouting. Come learn what scouting is all about. No prior scouting experience is required.


Please RSVP to janinele@yahoo.com or fill out the information under ‘Contact Us’ on Troop 438’s website


Our troop meets on Monday nights, 7:30-8:45 in Eastgate. For more information, visit Troop 438's website and check out this flier. Questions? Contact Janine Le.

COLLEGE APPLICATION PREPARATION


April is the ideal time to delve into college admissions trends and kickstart your planning ahead of the busy exam period in May and June. InGenius Prep is here to help! Check out this handy PDF with a variety of webinars that showcase our tested and proven strategies to enhance your knowledge and control over the complex preparation process. Questions? Email Elsha Yiu.

INTERDISCIPLINARY GENERATIVE AI SUMMER PROGRAM BY STANFORD ALUMNI


Inspirit AI is a 25-hour project-based AI program taught by Stanford graduates that introduces middle and high school students to fundamental AI concepts to build interdisciplinary AI projects across disciplines. In 2024, the team is excited to announce new projects such as Generating Language Safely with ChatGPT. No CS experience is necessary to apply and priority applications are due soon. Questions? Email contact@inspiritai.com.

SUPPORT OUR ISPTSA

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.

MASTHEAD / DIRECTORY / LINKS
Serving International School in the Bellevue School District
President
Secretary
Treasurer 1
Treasurer 2
VP of Communications
VP's of Community
VP's of Fundraising
VP's of Outreach
Membership Chair
Grants
Monday Messenger
Website
IS Staff Liaison
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 

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

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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.
  • Please include contact information for questions from readers.
  • 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
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