AUGUST 19, 2024

MONDAY MESSENGER

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THE MONDAY MESSENGER WELCOMES YOU BACK!


We hope you're having a splendid summer! It's almost hard to fathom, but the time has come to gear up for the upcoming school year once more.


The Monday Messenger newsletter stands as your weekly update from the International School PTSA. Our aim is to keep you in the loop regarding the most recent PTSA and school-related developments. Should you have any articles to share, kindly consult the submission guidelines located at the footer of this newsletter. Submit your articles to news@isptsa.org no later than Thursday at 5:00 PM for inclusion in the upcoming publication.

UPCOMING DATES AND EVENTS

THIS WEEK:

  • Monday, 8/19–Friday, 8/23 • Class of 2025 College Boot Camp
  • Thursday, 8/22 • Back to Business Day*


LOOKING AHEAD:

  • Tuesday, 9/3 • First Day of School
  • Thursday, 9/5 • Drama Auditions*
  • Tuesday, 9/10 • ISPTSA Back to School Coffee*
  • Tuesday, 9/10, 6:30 PM • 12th Grade Parent Night
  • Wednesday, 9/11 • 6th Grade Retreat
  • Thursday, 9/12–Friday, 9/13 • High School Retreat*
  • Friday, 9/20, 6:30–7:30 PM • ISPTSA Ice Cream Social*
  • Wednesday, 9/25, 1:40 PM • Club Fair
  • Thursday, 9/26 • Curriculum Night
  • Friday, 9/27, 7:00–8:30 PM • Middle School Social
  • Wednesday, 10/9 • Super Wednesday (PSAT/SAT)
  • Wednesday, 10/9 • Social Curriculum Night
  • Thursday, 10/10, 3:15 PM • Hall Decorations
  • Friday, 10/11 • No School
  • Monday, 10/14–Friday, 10/18 • Spirit Week
  • Saturday, 10/19 • Homecoming Dance
  • Tuesday, 10/22 • 9th/10th Grade Parent Night
  • Friday, 11/1 • End of First Quarter


Click here to view the ISPTSA Calendar, which can be added to your personal Google or Outlook Calendar.

Click here to view the District 2024–2025 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.

We would like to welcome the new staff members: Joshua Berkey, Kevin Eiford, Agnes Leguennec, Eric MacDonald, Lisa Neshyba, and Sabrina Scruggs. Welcome to the International School Community. We look forward to working with and getting to know you this year!

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL PTSA NEWS

ISPTSA BACK TO SCHOOL COFFEE


Join us at our Back to School Coffee on Tuesday, September 10, 8:45-10:15 AM in the school Library. In past years this has been the tailgate held at the nearby park, but this year we are going to change things up and meet in the Library so that staff members can attend! Come enjoy some coffee and pastries while mingling and getting to know other parents and staff. We hope to see you there! Questions? Email Maggie Lo and Farangis Sepheri, ISPTSA Co-VP's of Community.

ISPTSA ANNUAL ICE CREAM SOCIAL


Friday, September 20, 6:30–7:30 PM

International School Commons


Our IS community is invited to an ice cream social on Friday, September 20 from 6:30–7:30 PM in the IS Commons. Ice cream with all the toppings, even a cherry, will be available for FREE. Bring your student(s) and your family and connect with other families while letting your students have a great treat and social time.


Volunteers needed to help set up, scoop, and clean up. Help make this a great kick-off to the year! Contact VPCommunity@isptsa.org for volunteering or questions.

ISPTSA MEMBERSHIP 2023–2024

 

Unlock a Year of Excellence: Join or renew your ISPTSA Annual Membership today! Your membership powers unforgettable school programs, enriching students' journeys! Join today! Questions? Contact Judy Cam.

APPLY FOR AN ISPTSA GRANT!


We are pleased to announce the upcoming deadlines and important dates for the ISPTSA grant application process for the 2024-2025 academic year. We also have a new online application form this year to streamline the process. You can access the form using this link. Remember, grants are open to student groups as well as faculty. If it will improve our school then you can apply for a grant.


Semester 1:

  • Deadline for Grant Applications: Friday, September 27
  • ISPTSA Board Presentation of Proposed Grants: Tuesday, October 15
  • ISPTSA General Membership Meeting (Budget Proposal): Wednesday, October 23

Semester 2:

  • Deadline for Grant Applications: Friday, December 20
  • ISPTSA Board Presentation of Proposed Grants: Tuesday, January 21
  • ISPTSA General Membership Meeting (Budget Proposal/Changes): Wednesday, February 5


Please mark these dates on your calendar and ensure that your grant applications are submitted on time. We look forward to reviewing your proposals and supporting initiatives that benefit our community.


Applications and information can be accessed here. If you have any questions or need further information, please do not hesitate to contact us at grants@isptsa.org.


Thank you for your continued support of ISPTSA.

JOIN THE MONDAY MESSENGER TEAM: BE THE VOICE OF OUR SCHOOL COMMUNITY!


Do you have a passion for writing and a desire to make a difference in our school community? We're looking for dedicated individuals to join the 2024-2025 Monday Messenger team. As a unique environment drawing from multiple high schools and middle schools in our district, we need your help to stay connected and informed.


We're seeking liaisons (folks that like to read other newsletters), proofreaders, and an Assistant Editor. By joining our team, you'll ensure that our students and families are well-informed about the incredible opportunities available to them.


If interested, or if you have any questions, contact Jennifer Li, Monday Messenger Editor.

2024-2025 ISPTSA BOARD MEMBERS


We would like to welcome the 2024-2025 ISPTSA Board!

  • President: Jennifer Green Li
  • Treasurer 1: Amanda Johnson
  • Co-Secretary: Li Zhang
  • VP of Communications: Emilie Castle
  • Co-VP's of Community: Maggie Lo & Farangis Sepheri
  • VP of Fundraising: Melissa Richardson
  • Co-VP's of Outreach: Shan Angela Gao & Yue Mao
  • Membership: Judy Cam
  • Grants: Qiong Chen
  • Monday Messenger: Jennifer Green Li
  • Member-at-Large: Phil Bloch


We would also like to welcome our two Interim Board Members:

  • Treasurer 2: Rina Vasudeva
  • Co-Secretary: Ji Gao

Elections will be held at the General Membership Meeting in October for the interim members.


Thank you to all of our Board Members for stepping up this year and helping us shape the community we all want for our students, families, and staff.

LAST DAY OF SCHOOL POPSICLES


The ISPTSA handed out popsicles on the last day of school, Tuesday, June 18. Thank you to all of the volunteers that helped buy and hand out the icy treats to celebrate our students and the completion of another amazing year!

SCHOOL NEWS

BACK TO BUSINESS DAY VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!


Our Back to School (Taking Care of Business) Day is THIS Thursday, August 22 and we need adult volunteers to help at the event.

Volunteer

Questions? Email Mary Pyrah (Office Manager) at pyrahm@bsd405.org. Mary can also be reached at (425)456-6500. Thank you!

2024 HIGH SCHOOL RETREAT: WE NEED YOUR HELP!


Thursday to Friday, September 12–13 at Warm Beach Camp in Stanwood, WA


The High School Retreat will be here before we know it and we need help! We need chaperones, session ideas, and instructors. This overnight trip is only possible with your support. We need your participation for a successful retreat. Read all about how you can help here. Questions? Email Abigail Horsfall or Charise Hallberg.

STUDENT NEWS AND OPPORTUNITIES

DRAMA AUDITIONS FOR "RADIUM GIRLS"


Are you interested in acting or doing tech for this year's fall show? Join us for auditions! Auditions for this year’s fall show, Radium Girls, are on Thursday, September 5 after school in the 300 hallway. Auditions and tech signups are open to all IS Students. Performances of Radium Girls will be on November 15-16 with rehearsals starting September 16.


This program is a wonderful opportunity for students to build friendships with others across grade levels during rehearsals, set builds, and performance days. As a no cut program, all students who audition or sign up will be given a role. Actors are asked to prepare a 1-minute monologue and all students are asked to come knowing their potential conflicts. If you have questions, please reach out to our Stage Manager, Nate Bloch.

HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETICS


All International School students are eligible to play sports at the high school you are zoned for. If you reside outside of Bellevue, you may play for Bellevue High School.


The Fall schedule is out and open for registration. Find out everything you need to know here. Be aware that most of them have tryouts coming up this week or next week, so if you want to participate, hurry!


Questions? Find out how to contact the individual directors here.

BELLEVUE SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS

2024 BACK TO SCHOOL INFORMATION


The Bellevue School District welcomes our students, staff and families back to school! Get prepared for the 2024-2025 school year with the information you need to get the year off to a great start! Find out more here. Questions? Contact BSD.

SUPERINTENDENT'S BLOG


The BSD Superintendent, Dr. Aramaki, posted his latest blog titled "2024-2025 Annual Plan - We Belong. We Learn. We Lead." Read it here. Questions? Contact BSD.

BSD NEWSLETTER


An e-newsletter was sent to BSD staff and families on Thursday, August 8. Read it here. Don't receive the district newsletter? Sign up here! You can see all newsletters here. Questions? Contact BSD.

COMMUNITY NEWS

BSF BLOCK PARTY 2024


The Bellevue Schools Foundation will be hosting their 3rd Annual Block Party, Saturday, September 28, 11 AM-4 PM at the Bellevue Downtown Park, 10201 NE 4th St. Families can enjoy FREE games, rides, and performances. There will also be lots of great food for purchase.


The mission of the Bellevue Schools Foundation is to promote and fund the best possible learning opportunities for ALL students in Bellevue’s public schools. Come enjoy the afternoon while supporting a great cause! Questions? Email info@bsfdn.org.

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 Fundraising.

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

Li Zhang

Ji Gao (Interim)

Treasurer 1

Amanda Johnson

Treasurer 2

Rina Vasudeva (Interim)

VP of Communications

Emilie Castle

VP's of Community

Maggie Lo

Farangis Sepheri

VP's of Fundraising

Melissa Richardson

VP's of Outreach

Shan Angela Gao

Yue Mao

Membership Chair

Judy Cam

Grants

Qiong Chen

Monday Messenger

Jennifer Green Li

Website

Honglian Gao

Member-at-Large

Phil Bloch

IS Staff Liaison

Open

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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