We Wish the Best of Luck to all the AP Test Takers
and
Happy Staff Appreciation Week!
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UPCOMING DATES AND EVENTS | |
THIS WEEK:
- Monday, 5/6–Friday, 5/17 • AP Testing
- Monday, 5/6–Friday, 5/10 • Staff Appreciation Week*
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Tuesday, 5/7, 6:30 PM • 2024 Taiwan Focus Week Parent Meeting
- Wednesday, 5/8 • Staff Appreciation Luncheon Hosted by the 8th Grade Families*
- Friday, 5/10, 7 PM • MS Social
NEXT WEEK:
- Monday, 5/6–Friday, 5/17 • AP Testing
LOOKING AHEAD:
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Monday, 5/20–Friday, 5/24 • Focus Week
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Monday, 5/27 • No School (Memorial Day)
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Tuesday, 5/28–Friday, 5/31 • Testing Week
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Wednesday, 5/29 • Senior Board Day
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Tuesday, 6/4, 6 PM • MS Band Concert
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Tuesday, 6/4, 7 PM • HS Band Concert
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Wednesday, 6/5 • Seniors & Staff Luncheon Hosted by the 12th Grade Families
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Wednesday, 6/5, 6 PM • MS Orchestra Concert
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Wednesday, 6/5, 7 PM • HS Orchestra Concert
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Thursday, 6/6, 11:15 AM–12:25 PM • 5th Grade Visit
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Friday, 6/7, 7 PM • Moving Up Dance
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Monday, 6/10 • Déjeuner en Blanc
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Monday, 6/10, 6 PM • MS Choir Concert
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Monday, 6/10, 7 PM • HS Choir Concert
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Tuesday, 6/11 • Commencement Rehearsal
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Wednesday, 6/12 • Senior Celebration (Newport High School)
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Thursday, 6/13, 7:30 PM • Class of 2024 Commencement
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Thursday, 6/13–Friday, 6/14 • Seniors Grad Party*
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Friday, 6/14 • Laptop Collection
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Saturday, 6/15 • Community BBQ
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Tuesday, 6/18, 8:15–10:15 AM • Last Day of School
IN THE FALL:
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Monday, 8/19–Friday, 8/23 • Class of 2025 College Boot Camp
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Thursday, 8/22 • Back to Business Day
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Tuesday, 9/3 • First Day of School
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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.
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The following are shout-outs and thank-yous from various members of our community. | The PTSA just paid $200 for a Band Clinic with Jim Sisko. We are so grateful for the PTSA's continued generosity, thank you!. | |
The PTSA Finance Club delivered a successful presentation at the PTSA General Membership Meeting on April 25! We couldn't have done it without the incredible support of this community:
- A special thank you to Mrs. Kak for the use of her classroom and Wesley Hung for his guidance as our teacher sponsor.
- To Azfar Moazzam and Edward Chung, our former and current grant chairs, and Amanda Johnson, PTSA Treasurer, for providing the essential grant data.
- Arty Christianto and Jill Follett, thank you for your invaluable help with the student survey.
- Qiang Zeng and Qiong Chen for all the hours you've spent helping us prepare for the presentation. Your guidance along the way has made a real difference.
The unwavering support from this incredible community has been truly invaluable to us!
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INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL PTSA NEWS | |
STAFF APPRECIATION WEEK!
Staff Appreciation Week is THIS WEEK, May 6–10 and we would like to take this opportunity to show our appreciation to our staff for their hard work and dedication. Please help us in making this week special. Here are our plans:
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Monday 5/6 – Unveiling the “Wall of Appreciation”. Please bring flowers and cards for our staff and teachers.
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Tuesday 5/7 – TEAtime Tuesday, special treat box and bubble teas. Volunteers sign up here.
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Wednesday 5/8 – staff appreciation lunch hosted by 8th grade.
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Thursday 5/9 – Fresh baked treats. Volunteers sign up here.
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Friday 5/10 – To end this wonderful week, we’ll treat our teachers and staff with a guilty pleasure, CRAVE Food Friday. Parents, please stock our teachers’ lounge with our kids’ favorite snacks. Sign up to donate food here.
We'll also need volunteers to help during the week of May 6 – 10. Sign up here.
Thank you as always!! Questions? Contact the VP of Community.
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8TH GRADE FAMILIES STAFF APPRECIATION LUNCHEON
8th Grade families will be hosting the Staff Appreciation Luncheon THIS 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.
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HI 8TH AND 9TH-GRADE PARENTS,
It's an IS tradition for the 8th and 9th-grade classes to organize the Senior Celebration Dessert Reception, which will take place on June 11. Your kids look up to these seniors who have worked so hard. You not only get to celebrate their achievements but also get a preview of your kid's graduation to come. And it pays forward!
Please consider donating items, money, or volunteering here. Questions? Email our 8th-grade or 9th-grade parent reps.
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A LOOK AT THE MONEY
Ever wonder where the money you donate to ISPTSA goes? Here are the Non-recurring Grants for the current school year that have been purchased and that the PTSA has written reimbursement checks for:
Semester 1:
- PE bumper plates for weight training
- Office laminator machine
- Orchestra cello
- Band music stands
- Robotics club laptops
- Drama computer and Qlab software
- Badminton club rackets and shuttlecocks
- Garden club planters
Semester 2:
- 8th grade Science mobile planetarium visit to school
- French Department Scholastic Magazines: Bonjour, Ca Va, Chez Nous
- Choir - Demiero Jazz Festival Registration Fee
- Drama - Intercom headsets, belts packs, cables
- Volleyball nets, balls, equipment
- Choir - Piano repairs
- Humanities - Seattle Shakespeare Company Workshops
- Choir - speakers, stands, cables, thump device
- Choir - Lake Retreat Jazz Workshop
- Drama and Choir - Stage Boxes
- Orchestra - Upright bass
- Gym Wireless Microphones
- Jazz Workshop with Jim Sisko
Items purchased this year from the Department Recurring Grant budgets:
- Art - paint, yarn, glaze, pencils, storage, tools, and much, much more
- Band - Instrument repairs
- Choir - music and piano repair
- Library - books
- Orchestra - instrument repair
- PE - basketball net, pickle balls, foam balls, smart hurdles, relay batons, soccer balls, rubber cones, and more
- Drama - storage, binders, cables, costume and prop supplies
Thank you to all of you for donating and supporting the ISPTSA so that together, we can make our school and community better! Questions? Email Amanda Johnson, ISPTSA Treasurer or Edward Chung, ISPTSA Grants Committee Chair.
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THE 2024-2025 ISPTSA BOARD
Thank you to everyone who showed up to the General Membership Meeting on Thursday, April 25 to help us elect our board for next year!
The 2024-2025 ISPTSA Board:
Elected Board Positions:
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President: Jennifer Li
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Treasurer 1: Amanda Johnson
- Treasurer 2: Rina Vasudeva
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Secretary: Li Zhang
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VP of Communications: Emilie Castle
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Co-VPs of Community: Maggie Lo & Farangis Sepehri
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VP of Fundraising: Melissa Richardson
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VP of Outreach: Shan Angela Gao & Yue Mao
Non-Elected Board Positions:
- Membership: Judy Cam
- Grants: Edward Chung & Qiong Chen
- Monday Messenger: Jennifer Li
- Advocacy: Open
- Member At-Large: Phil Bloch
Thank you to all of the new board members for volunteering your time and expertise! We look forward to working with you. Questions? Contact the Nominations Committee.
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CALLING ALL 11TH-GRADE FAMILIES!
It has always been a tradition for the 11th-grade families to volunteer with events around graduation. In this spirit, there are two sign-up links below. Please take a moment to look at both and sign up where you can. It would be so helpful if every family with an International School Junior could sign up to supply an item and give some of their time. Thanks so much for helping with these important events!
Volunteers
Post-Graduation Dessert Reception
Questions? Contact your 11th-grade parent reps Anindita, Dena, and Nisha.
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IS HS CHOIRS SANG THE NATIONAL ANTHEM AT THE MARINERS GAME!
The International High School Choirs combined to sing the National Anthem at the Mariners game on Tuesday, April 2! Thanks to the ISPTSA, families were able to buy tickets for $25. This guaranteed everyone got to sit together for a fun filled night that supported our students!
Questions? Contact Emilie Castle, ISPTSA Co-President
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ATTENTION SOPHMORE PARENTS
Please join fellow sophomore parents on Friday, May 10 at the Bellevue Cascade Pizza Brewery from 5-7 PM for a Mix and Mingle. As we head towards our students' upperclassmen years, let's take a moment to build our community and enjoy a casual evening out.
Please Email Renuka Getchell at parent-rep2026@isptsa.org so we can get an idea of numbers and coordinate some space for the group. This is a parent event, not a student event. Hope to see you there!
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DEAR 6TH-GRADE FAMILIES,
As graduation season approaches, we are thrilled to celebrate our graduating seniors through a series of events, including a Senior/Staff Luncheon, Senior Celebration, Graduation, and an All Night Grad Night following graduation. Each grade contributes by volunteering where needed, allowing senior parents to fully enjoy the events with their graduates and offering a learning opportunity for when your own child graduates, as well as providing some form of meal.
The 6th grade is honored to provide dinner before the senior celebration event. We kindly ask 6th-grade families to consider contributing $10, or any amount they wish, for snacks and drinks for the dinner. The link to contribute is here.
Thank you for your support and participation in making these events memorable for our seniors. Questions? Email Kai Gao and Donald Wang, 6th-Grade Parent Reps.
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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.
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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.
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BELLEVUE COUNCIL PTSA 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? Contact them via their website.
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JOIN US FOR 'BALANCING ACT: SUPPORTING STUDENT STRESS & ANXIETY'
Learn more about the causes of childhood stress and anxiety, signs that may indicate the need for more support, and practical strategies for fostering resilience at home. Explore resources available within the Bellevue School District and our community to help navigate this important aspect of parenting. Let's work together to create a supportive environment for our children's well-being.
Sponsored by Bellevue PTSA Council & The BSD Mental Health Assistance Team (MHAT). Two sessions will be offered focused towards Elementary & Secondary:
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High School & Middle School Parent Presentation: Wednesday, May 1, 7-8 PM at Bellevue High School PAC, 10416 SE Wolverine Way, Bellevue, WA 98004
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Elementary School Parent Presentation: Wednesday, May 22, 7-8 PM at Odle Middle School Commons 502 143rd Ave NE, Bellevue, WA 98007
Check out the flier in English, Spanish, or Chinese.
Questions? Contact Kristi Schwesinger.
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GRAND CONCOURS 2024
Congratulations to all students who participated in Le Grand Concours (French Contest) on March 28. The results are in! International School is proud to announce that several of our students have ranked in the highest scores and received an award this year!
Find out more information about the National French Contest and which of our students won here!
All students who took part in the contest, regardless of score, will receive a printed certificate of participation. Thank you to all and Félicitations! Questions? Contact Gwen Geslin.
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JOIN US AT WARM BEACH
Join us for the 2024 High School Retreat at Warm Beach Camp on September 12-13! We need volunteers to help build community among students, staff, and parents. Sign up for the whole time, a day, or just overnight using our Sign Up Genius.
We're also seeking community connections for sessions exploring cultural expression and challenges in Latin and South America. If you have expertise or know someone who does, contact us. Past topics include dance, sports, cultural traditions, and more. Sessions are 45 minutes each, repeated 6 times on September 12. It's a great way to get involved and share your culture!
Read more here. Email Abigail Horsfall or Charise Hallberg if you can help or have questions. Thank you!
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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 in June. Questions? Email Ellen Stone.
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INTERNATIONAL ART FESTIVAL AT PUESTA DEL SOL
Puesta del Sol’s PTA needs your help!
Puesta del Sol Elementary School PTA is looking for volunteers to help out at our upcoming International Art Fest Wednesday, May 22 from 2:00-8:50 PM.
Volunteering for a PTA event counts towards high school volunteer hours! There will be performances, interactive art tables, poetry reading, and much more!
Tasks include: Stage help, welcome table help, set-up and/or clean up, staffing interactive tables, helping coordinate performances from green room to stage, and general day of help. Please note, this event is both inside and outside areas of Puesta del Sol. Transportation is not provided.
Sign up here.
Information with FAQ will be emailed the week before the event with final confirmation 48 hours prior to the event.
If you need confirmation of volunteer hours, or have any questions, please send requests to events@puestadelsolpta.org
Lastly, a gentle reminder our volunteers will be working with families and young students, so at school events like this, BSD student Code of Conduct still applies.
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BELLEVUE SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS | |
AANHPI HERITAGE MONTH
Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month is recognized during the month of May. This recognition pays tribute to the generations of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders who have enriched America’s history and are instrumental in its future success. This annual celebration provides an opportunity to embrace the unique languages, cultures, traditions, histories, and beliefs of Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. Read more here. Questions? Contact BSD.
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MAY CELEBRATES JEWISH AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH
Recognized each year in the month of May, Jewish American Heritage Month provides an opportunity to learn about Jewish heritage. Read more here. Questions? Contact BSD.
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SUPERINTENDENT'S BLOG: BUDGET REDUCTION PLAN FOR THE 2024-2025 SCHOOL YEAR
Superintendent Aramaki shares the budget reduction plan for the 2024-25 school year that he and his staff presented to the school board at the regular board meeting on April 18. Read it here. Questions? Contact BSD.
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SUMMER EBT (SUN BUCKS) IS LAUNCHING IN 2024!
Beginning this summer, the state of Washington will launch a new Summer EBT program called SUN Bucks. The program will provide families with $120 for each eligible school-aged child to buy food when school is out. Find out more here. Questions? Contact nutrition@bsd405.org.
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HEALTH SERVICES UPDATE: MEASLES PREVENTION AND SAFETY
Since December 2023, there have been 11 cases of measles in Washington state. Information for families seeking more resources for health safety and prevention planning can be found here. Questions? Contact BSD.
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A SEASON OF PROMOTIONS AND GRADUATIONS!
With only a few months remaining in the 2023-2024 school year, mark your calendars for the upcoming promotion and graduation season. For additional high school graduation details, please visit the Class of 2024 graduation page. Questions? Contact BSD.
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BSD NEWSLETTER
An e-newsletter was sent to BSD staff and families on Thursday, April 25. 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.
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TOUR THE BALLARD LOCKS FREE!
Free daily tours are offered at 2:00 PM each day that the Visitor Center is open between May 1 and September 30. Tours last approximately one hour, are open to all and begin from the Visitor Center. No reservations required.
Hiram M. Chittenden Locks
3015 NW 54th St
Seattle, WA 98107-4213
Officially known as the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks, the Ballard Locks is one of Seattle’s most popular tourist attractions, especially during the sunny months. The grounds also feature a fish ladder and the Carl S. English Jr. Botanical Garden — one of the most beautiful park settings in Seattle. Questions? Contact them via their website.
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UNIQUE ACADEMIC SUMMER CAMPS FOR RISING 7TH AND 8TH GRADERS
Wise Camps will hold summer camp July 15-19 and July 22-26 in Bellevue this summer. Campers are grouped based on both age and ability, and are exposed to a variety of STEAM topics like medicine, chemistry, physics, engineering, neuroscience, etc.! We have passionate and experienced teachers. One of our goals is to expose campers to higher level concepts so they will not be intimidated when they reach these topics in high school and beyond. Register today at www.wisecamps.org! Questions? Email wisecamps@gmail.com.
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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.
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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
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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
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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.
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SUPPORT YOUR PTSA
Donate Anytime!
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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
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MONDAY MESSENGER
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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International School PTSA
P.O. Box 221
Bellevue, WA 98009-0221
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