May 20, 2024

MONDAY MESSENGER

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FOCUS WEEK IS THIS WEEK!


MONDAY, MAY 20–FRIDAY, MAY 24

UPCOMING DATES AND EVENTS

THIS WEEK:

  • Monday, 5/20–Friday, 5/24 • Focus Week


NEXT WEEK:

  • Monday, 5/27 • No School (Memorial Day)
  • Tuesday, 5/28–Friday, 5/31 • Testing Week
  • Wednesday, 5/29 • Senior Board Day


LOOKING AHEAD:

  • 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
  • Wednesday, 6/11 • Senior Celebration (Newport High School, Date Update)
  • Thursday, 6/13, 7:30 PM • Class of 2024 Commencement
  • Thursday, 6/13–Friday, 6/14 • Seniors Grad Party
  • Friday, 6/14 • Laptop Collection
  • Saturday, 6/15 • Community BBQ
  • Tuesday, 6/18, 8:15–10:15 AM • Last Day of School


IN THE FALL:

  • Monday, 8/19–Friday, 8/23 • Class of 2025 College Boot Camp
  • Thursday, 8/22 • Back to Business Day
  • Tuesday, 9/3 • First Day of School
  • Thursday, 9/12–Friday, 9/13 • High School Retreat


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.

SHOUT-OUTS

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

On behalf of the City of Bellevue Youth Link Program, we want to congratulate your school and students for being selected as this year’s Youth Link 34th Community Leadership Award winners!


Award Category: Advocacy for Social Justice – Group

Winner: International School SOAR


Award Category: Outstanding Youth Volunteer

Winner: Eli Hou


Get more info and see all of the winners here.

Thanks to the crafts grant that was awarded in November 2023 by the ISPTSA, our club was able to purchase knitting needles, friendship bracelet string, beads, key rings and yarn that were put to creative use. Students taught each other crocheting and beading skills, and welcomed the opportunity to socialize over relaxing activities.

Thank you very much to the ISPTSA for the grant that was awarded to the Garden Club for purchasing planters. The IS gardeners have been busy throughout the school year working on plants, seeding, weeding, labeling existing vegetation, and watering. Thank you for your support!

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL PTSA NEWS

TAKING NOMINATIONS FOR THE GOLDEN ACORN AWARD

 

2022-2023 Renuka Getchell

2021-2022 Emilie Castle & Melissa Richardson 

2020–2021 Julie Molinari & Meribeth Nordloef-Pedersen

2019–2020 Li Wu  

2018–2019 Sylvia Abrahamsson  

2017–2018 Sue Bentsen & Sally Fouche  

2015–2016 Betsy Johnson  

2014–2015 Marian McDermott

 

These are some of our past Golden Acorn recipients, nominated by parents, teachers, and friends. Do you know someone who works for the success of our IS students and community? Golden Acorn is a high honor awarded annually by the ISPTSA since 1994 to a school or community volunteer in recognition of their dedication and service to children and youth. Please take a moment to nominate a parent or teacher for this award by sending an email to golden-acorn-nomination@isptsa.org.

 

The committee will be accepting nominations until Wednesday, May 29. Questions? Email the Golden Acorn Committee.

STAFF APPRECIATION WEEK: CRAVE FOOD FRIDAY


Thank you very much for all of your generous donations to our CRAVE FOOD FRIDAY. It was so wonderful! It really surprised our staff and teachers. They are very much appreciated and felt very special to be part of this IS family. Questions? Email vpcommunity1@isptsa.org.

SENIOR YARD SIGNS NOW ON SALE!

 

Class of 2024 Yard Signs are available for purchase. Celebrate your graduate with a yard sign!


Click this link to purchase your yard sign.


Questions? Email Emilie Castle.

8TH-GRADE STAFF APPRECIATION LUNCHEON


Thank you to all of the parents for your lovely food donations and volunteering for the Staff Appreciation Luncheon on Wednesday, May 8. We couldn’t do it without your support and we really appreciate it. Questions? Email parent-rep2028@isptsa.org.

STAFF APPRECIATION WEEK


Thank you so much to all of you for all of your help in making this year’s staff appreciation a great success. We couldn’t have done it without you. Thank you for your continued support to our school. 


Special thank you to Shaimaa Aly, Jiatang Dong, Apple Zhu, Wei Wang, Xiao Chen, Linday Posner, Qiong Chen and Yueyi Luan.


Also all of you parents who donated all the wonderful snacks for our teacher pantry! Thank you! For questions, email vpcommunity1@isptsa.org

SENIOR SUPPORT


Everyone coming together to support the Seniors as they graduate is a tradition at IS. To help streamline the effort, we are linking all of the sign-ups in one location in the newsletter for easy reference.



Please contact your Class Parent Reps with your questions. Parent Rep emails can be found here.

WA STATE PTA NEWS

SEEKING CANDIDATES FOR THE 2024-2026 WSPTA NOMINATING COMMITTEE


We are now accepting applications from those interested in serving on the 2024-2026 Washington State PTA Nominating Committee.

This committee will be responsible for the identification, vetting, and nomination of qualified candidates to serve on the 2025-2027 Washington State PTA Board of Directors. The Nominating Committee’s selections, plus any self-declared candidates, will appear on the ballot at the 2025 Washington State PTA Convention.


Interested? Find out more info here. You can find the application here. The deadline is noon on June 10. Questions? Email support@wastatepta.org.

NOTES FROM THE CAPITOL: HERE'S WHAT WSPTA ASKED OUR U.S. REPRESENTATIVES


On the morning of March 6, our delegation of WSPTA advocates gathered at the U.S. Capitol in Washington D.C. to visit Washington State’s congressional offices to share our legislative priorities and perspectives on education policy.


Read part 1 of the blog here and part 2 here. Questions? Email support@wastatepta.org.

NATIONAL PTA NEWS

NATIONAL REFLECTIONS WINNERS


National PTA is pleased to announce the winners of its 2023-2024 Reflections® student art program. Seven students have been honored with the Outstanding Interpretation Award, and over 200 students have been recognized with Awards of Excellence and Merit. The awards honor creative interpretations of the theme "I am Hopeful Because…" in the categories of dance choreography, film production, literature, music composition, photography and visual arts as well as a special artist division. Questions? Email info@pta.org

SCHOOL NEWS

SMARTER BALANCED STATE TESTING


SBA and WCAS assessments are coming up. Please, see the detailed schedule here. A couple of important reminders:

  • SBA (ELA and Math Smarter Balance Assessment) is for grades 6-8, 10, and some in grade 11.
  • WCAS (Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science) for grades 8 and 11.
  • The daily schedule for May 28, 29, 30, and 31 is modified.
  • Grades 9, 11, and 12 will have early dismissal during this week.

Questions? Email the IS Main Office.

STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES

GIRLS FLAG FOOTBALL: FREE SUMMER CAMP


Learn to play flag football for free this summer!!   Girls in grades 5-8 are invited to join BSD high school teams along with members of the Seattle Seahawks organization to learn new skills, run drills and play scrimmage games. Camps take place at Bellevue High School Stadium on July 17, 24 and 31 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. No prior experience necessary! Find out more here. Register today! Questions? Email John Hill, BHS Athletic Director.

SPIRITRIDGE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL END OF THE YEAR CARNIVAL


In need of Volunteer Hours? Join the Spiritridge PTSA on Friday, June 7 from 5:30 - 8:00 PM for our End of the School Year Carnival. Several volunteer opportunities are available.


Find out more about the carnival here. Volunteer here.


Questions? Email president@spiritridge.org.

BELLEVUE SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS

SUPERINTENDENT'S BLOG: BELLEVUE SCHOOL BOARD PASSES NEW STRATEGIC PLAN


Superintendent Aramaki announces the launch of the district’s new 5-year strategic plan. The new strategic plan was co-designed by a coalition of stakeholders representing our diverse community and was approved by the school board during the May 16, 2024, meeting. Read more here. Questions? Contact BSD.

RECORDS RETENTION PROCEDURES NOTICE


The Bellevue School District retains special education records six years from separation of services. If the student has not received services from BSD in more than 6 years, those records are no longer available. Read more here. Questions? Email SpecialEdRecords@bsd405.org.

OUR COMMITMENT TO MENTAL HEALTH DURING MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH


May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a national observance that focuses on the importance of mental health and its impact on our well-being. The Bellevue School District reminds our learning community of the resources available to them to support their well-being this month and beyond.

BSD'S SURPLUS BOOK SALE


Stock up on books for summer reading at BSD's Surplus Book Sale! Wednesday, May 29, from 1:30 to 4:30 PM at the BSD Warehouse!


Join us at the sale during the following time slots:

  • 1:30-2:00 PM: for BSD students
  • 2:00-2:30 PM: for BSD students and staff
  • 2:30-4:30 PM: BSD students, staff, and community members


BSD Warehouse:

12037 NE 5th Street

Bellevue, WA 98005


For more information visit our website. Questions? Call 425-456-4503.

SPECIAL EDUCATION FAMILY RESOURCE SERIES - UNLOCKING POTENTIAL: NAVIGATING ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY FOR FAMILIES


Please join the BSD Special Education Department and the Bellevue Special Needs PTA for their final family resource session for this school year. This session will be an engaging discussion hosted by the BSD Assistive Technology team! Find out more here. Questions? Email specialedfamilyres@bsd405.org.

BSD NEWSLETTER


An e-newsletter was sent to BSD staff and families on Thursday, May 9. 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

A WELL BALANCED COLLEGE SHORTLIST


KCLS is excited to share a free masterclass, 'Creating a Well Balanced College Shortlist,' presented by Yale alumna and College Coach, Poojha Daryanani. Join us on Tuesday, June 11 from 6 PM - 7 PM as we discuss:

  • A step-by-step guide to creating a comprehensive college shortlist
  • Key factors to consider along this journey
  • 3 strategies to create a well-balanced list
  • Free resources to aid in your decision-making and save you time

Get all your questions answered during the Q&A session at the end. This is an event you won't want to miss! Register here. Check out the flyer here. Questions? Email Poojha Daryanani.

JOIN THE COMMUNITY EVENT: LAKE TO LAKE BIKE RIDE


The 11th annual Lake-to-Lake Bike Ride is coming soon. The ride will be held on Saturday, June 8, with a start and finish at Robinswood Park in Bellevue. This low cost, recreational ride has a “family-friendly” 9 mile route and a more “experienced rider” 24 mile route. The ride is great for all abilities of riders. Routes take riders to and through many parks on a variety of surfaces, bike lanes, park paths, and low traffic roads.


Entry fees: $20 advanced, $24 day of, if space is available. (This event sold out in past years.) Kids under 9 are free, though registration is still required.


Start times:

  • Long course riders leave between 9 and 9:30 AM.
  • Short course riders leave between 9:30 and 10 AM.
  • Kids rides check in starts at 12:00, rides start at 12:15 PM.


Find out more info and pre-register online. Questions? Email bikeride@bellevuewa.gov.

READING ADVENTURES


The Huntington Learning Center’s Reading Adventure program themed, “Anywhere you want to go!” engages children and their families through reading. It is designed to bring reading to life through adventures.

 

Help your child choose books that will unlock their imagination, take them on travels back in time or to distant lands, introduce them to real or fictional characters, and have some fun. Age-appropriate books will engage your child and motivate them to read.

 

Your child can travel anywhere they want to go through Reading Adventure!

 

Enrolling in Huntington Learning Center’s Reading Adventure program is easy:



1.  Visit HuntingtonHelps.com/reading-adventure

2.  Fill out the enrollment form to register.

3.  Check email for your “Reading Passport” to begin.

 

Happy Reading! Questions? Email huntingtonhelps@hlcmail.com.

CASCADE ENRICHMENT TUTORING AND SUMMER CAMPS

Our summer STEM courses consist of 6 weeks of small group classes, textbook/workbook material, and individually taught lessons. There is approximately 1-3 hours of homework each week and a weekly assessment. Parents and students will have timely access to homework and assessment grades. Classes are hosted on Google Classroom, which is an easy to use platform.


Our summer program runs July 10-August 21 and we have flexible options available for  busy families. Find out more here. Questions? Email welcome@cascadetutors.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
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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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