May 27, 2024

MONDAY MESSENGER

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NO SCHOOL TODAY, MONDAY, MAY 27


IN REMEMBRANCE OF OUR HEROES THIS MEMORIAL DAY

SBA AND WCAS TESTING IS THIS WEEK.


LOOK FOR THE MODIFIED SCHEDULE BELOW, INCLUDING EARLY RELEASE FOR GRADES 9, 11, AND 12.

UPCOMING DATES AND EVENTS

THIS WEEK:

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


NEXT WEEK:

  • 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 BBQ
  • Friday, 6/7, 7 PM • Moving Up Dance


LOOKING AHEAD:

  • 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.

Thank you to everyone that volunteered this year for the Communications Team at IS. You all do an amazing job helping us to stay informed about what is happening in and around our community. We are truly grateful!


Website: Honglian Gao

Bulletin Boards: Melissa Richardson

Social Media: Vera Ho

Monday Messenger Editor: Jennifer Li

Monday Messenger Liaisons: Catherine Fan (Bellevue High School), Emilie Castle (Newport High School), Jenny Lin (Sammamish High School), Hui Zhao (Interlake High School), Anna Zhang (BSD, Bellevue Council PTSA), Qiong Chen (Community), Thyda Tsai (Community)

Monday Messenger Proofreaders: David Cook, Amanda Johnson, Judy Cam, Nate Bloch, Angelika Koch-Leibmann, Emilie Castle

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL PTSA NEWS

ISPTSA SCHOLARSHIPS


Attention: IS Seniors!


Reminder: Apply for one of 3 $1,000 scholarships from ISPTSA!

Application, prompts, and more info can all be found here: 2024 International School PTSA Scholarship Application - $1,000.000. The deadline is THIS Tuesday, May 28. Questions? Email isptsa-scholarship@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.

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 THIS 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 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.

BELLEVUE PTSA COUNCIL NEWS

BELLEVUE PTSA COUNCIL SCHOLARSHIPS​


Each year, Bellevue PTSA Council offers twelve (12) $1000 scholarships to seniors representing each high school in BSD. The Alice Hurd Memorial Scholarship recognizes outstanding community service and rewards one student from each high school a $1000 scholarship. The Bellevue PTSA Council Scholarship rewards academic excellence to one graduating senior from each high school, funded by Bellevue PTSA Council. Applicants will be evaluated by the Bellevue PTSA Council Scholarship Committee consisting of representatives from each high school. Find out more here. Questions? Email scholarships@bellevueptsacouncil.com.

SCHOOL NEWS

SMARTER BALANCED STATE TESTING


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

  • SBA (ELA and Math Smarter Balanced 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.

DÉJEUNER EN BLANC AT INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL!


Déjeuner en Blanc will be Monday, June 10, from 1:00 to 3:15 PM.  Déjeuner en Blanc is our version of the longstanding, now global tradition of Dîner en Blanc, which started in France in 1990 and is basically a large picnic where everyone wears white.


Our French teachers have been sharing information with students, but we also want to make sure families are aware of the event. Assuming the weather is decent, this will be an outside event. Students will be eating lunch on the upper field followed by a variety of outdoor activities. Nutrition Services will provide their regular offerings, including a special meal featuring baguette sandwiches. Students can also bring their own lunch, preferably picnic-type food and beverages. No personal BBQs are allowed on campus.


To make the event more comfortable and convivial, students can bring small games, blankets, or chairs. Please note that food deliveries will not be accepted, and high school students who usually leave campus to purchase food are encouraged to bring their own food or get lunch from the cafeteria. Students may bring cash if they’d like to purchase French style treats in support of the French Honor Society in charge of organizing the event.


Parents interested in chaperoning the event are invited to email Madame Geslin by Wednesday, June 4.


Participants, wear as much white as you can. While water activities are planned, they will be confined to the lower field.


Bon appétit! Questions? Email Madame Geslin.

LOST & FOUND OVERFLOWING!


Phones, eyeglasses, sunglasses, wallet, Apple watch, Fitbit, iPods, retainers, jewelry, mouse, key fob, water bottles, jackets.

 

Please peruse the photos and claim your items ASAP! All Items donated June 14th. Questions? Email Ellen Stone, IS School Secretary.

STUDENT NEWS AND OPPORTUNITIES

CODING COMPETITION


Attention Coders!! There is a Coding Competition THIS Friday, May 31 at Bellevue High from 4-6 PM. All high school students passionate about coding are welcome to register. You can register in teams of up to six and it is free of charge.


The registration link is here. Team members register only once, as a team, not individually. Questions? Email bellevuehighprogrammingclub@gmail.com.

SPIRITRIDGE ELEMENTARY REUNION


Attention Spiritridge Elementary Senior Alumni: Please join us at 4:15 PM on Wednesday, June 5 at Spiritridge Elementary School to celebrate all your accomplishments. Don't forget to bring your caps and gowns for pictures!


Questions? Email christie-brown@hotmail.com with any questions.

SAMMAMISH GIRLS SOCCER 2024


Looking to play girls soccer in the Fall at Sammamish High school? Sign up in Final Forms now because tryouts are this summer! Check out the flier here. Questions? Email newtonw@bsd405.org

FALL SPORTS


The High School Fall Sports schedule is already out! Many of the tryouts happen during the summer, so check out the options and sign up in Final Forms as soon as possible, so that you can make sure all of your required paper work gets completed in time.


As an International School student you are eligible to compete in any high school sport being offered at your attendance area school. Students attending International School who do not reside in the Bellevue School District are eligible to compete for Bellevue High School. Find out everything you need to know about registering here.


Questions? Contact your assigned school:

Location

Director

School Support/Assistant

Website

District

Jeff Lowell

(425)456-4010

Jessica Dowling

(425)456-4278

BSD Athletics

Bellevue High

John Hill

(425)456-7038

Kelli Mayer

(425)456-7039

BHS Wolverines

Interlake High

Kyle McKenna

(425)456-7209

Krystyn Higgins

(425)456-7365

IHS Saints

Newport High

Jesse Snyder

(425)456-7413

Jennetta Blake

(425)456-7417

NHS Knights

Sammamish High

Wes Newton

(425)456-7611

Andi Tomlinson

(425)456-7613

SHS Redhawks

SUMMER GIRLS BASKETBALL - STARTING JULY 9TH!


Starting Tuesday, July 9, join the Newport Girls Select Basketball at the Tyee Community Gym for Summer Skills Training (with a focus on shooting). Our coaches will help the girls work on their basketball skills and organize scrimmages. The fee is $50 and it is open to girls of all experience levels going into 2nd – 8th grade that are zoned for Newport High School!  All sessions will be on Tuesday nights and it runs through August 13 (6 sessions in all). Based on skill level, there will be 2 time slots:

  • 6:30-7:45pm: Beginner/Intermediate skill level
  • 7:45-9:15pm: Advanced skill level


Get more info here. Register here. Please email Newport Girls Select Basketball if you would like more information or have any questions.

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.

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.
  • Remaining weeks to choose from are June July 1-3 & July 8-12.
  • You must be at least 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.

FUTURE VOTER PROGRAM


Did you know that In Washington state, 16- and 17-year-olds can sign up as Future Voters and be automatically registered to vote when they become eligible? A voter who turns 18 between the August Primary and the November General Election can vote in the Primary (RCW 29A.08.170). Check out the flier here. Find out more here. Questions? Email elections@sos.wa.gov.

BELLEVUE SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS

TRAINING TODAY TO PREPARE FOR TOMORROW: BSD STUDENT REUNIFICATION JUMP-OUT TEAM EQUIPS STAFF WITH SKILLS TO RESPOND DURING CRITICAL INCIDENTS


In the event of an emergency, the Bellevue School District may be required to release students to parents and guardians through our controlled student reunification process. Recently, members of the BSD central office Reunification Jump-Out Team deployed to one of our off-site locations to familiarize themselves with the site, emergency resources available, and to walk through the reunification process. Read more here. Questions? Contact BSD.

BSD'S SURPLUS BOOK SALE


Stock up on books for summer reading at BSD's Surplus Book Sale! THIS 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.

BEYOND RÉSUMÉS, EVERGREEN TRANSITION PROGRAM STUDENTS CELEBRATE ACHIEVEMENTS


Teachers from BSD’s Evergreen Transition Program recently showcased a partnership that supported students to develop their digital literacy. Read more here. Questions? Contact BSD.

2024 NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM WINNERS


BSD is proud to announce its 2024 National Merit $2,500 Scholarship Program winners. Congratulations to all of the students who received this honor! Read more here. Questions? Contact BSD.

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 NEWSLETTER


An e-newsletter was sent to BSD staff and families on Thursday, May 23. 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

DUVALL DAYS ANNUAL FESTIVAL


This 64th annual festival is the celebration of a “Small Town / Real Life” community spirit of Duvall, WA and the lower Snoqualmie Valley. Mark your calendars for THIS Friday, May 31 and Saturday, June 1.


The festival will kick off Friday night with the Riverview Education Foundation 5K run in McCormick park at 6:30 PM.


Saturday will kick off with the Duvall Days Grand Parade. Duvall's Main Street will be closed to traffic and becomes a pedestrian mall lined with vendor booths, live music, youth performances, and art demonstrations. The fun spills over into local parks where visitors enjoy kids' play zones, contests and games, food vendors, a beer garden, and more. We have an entertaining musical lineup for this year's event planned for the evening followed by traditional fireworks!


Find out more here. See the schedule of activities here. Questions? Email info@duvalldays.org.

PAWS & PRIDE DOG WALK


Downtown Bellevue welcomes Pride Month as we celebrate the LGBTQIA2S+ community with a dog walk in Downtown Bellevue at Downtown Park! The Bellevue Downtown Association and Eastside Pride PNW are proud to produce Paws & Pride Dog Walk, presented by Symetra, THIS Saturday, June 1 at Bellevue Downtown Park (south of Bellevue Square).


This event is a non-competitive stroll through Bellevue Downtown Park with your pup (those without dogs are welcome too). All dogs must remain leashed for the entirety of the event.


Find out more info here. Questions? Call Bellevue Downtown Association at (425)453-1223.

KENT INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL


The 16th annual festival will be held THIS Saturday, June 1 from 10 AM to 5 PM at accesso ShoWare Center. 625 West James Street, Kent, WA 98032.


The Kent International Festival is a celebration of the cultural diversity represented in the greater Kent community. We believe that, through coming together and celebrating our various heritages with respect and understanding, we build a stronger and wider sense of community that is inclusive of all. Find out more here. Questions? Call (206)601-6957.

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.

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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