August 21, 2023
MONDAY MESSENGER
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:
  • Thursday, 8/24 Back to Business Day*

LOOKING AHEAD:
  • Tuesday, 9/5 School Starts
  • Thursday, 9/7, 4 PM–7 PM • Drama Auditions*
  • Friday, 9/8 • 6th Grade Retreat
  • Tuesday, 9/12–Wednesday, 9/13 • High School Retreat
  • Thursday, 9/21, 6:30 PM • 12th Grade Parent Night
  • Friday, 9/22, 7 PM–8:30 PM • Middle School Social
  • Wednesday, 9/27 • Picture Retakes
  • Wednesday, 9/27, 2PM • ASB Club Fair
  • Thursday, 9/28, 6:30 PM • Curriculum Night
  • Friday, 10/13 • No School (District Training)
  • Monday, 10/16–Friday, 10/20 • Spirit Week
  • Thursday, 10/19, 6:30 PM–8 PM • 9th/10th Grade Parent Night
  • Saturday, 10/21, 8 PM–10 PM • Homecoming (HS Only)

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.
We would like to express our gratitude to Meribeth Nordloef-Pedersen, Li Lu, Vera Ho, Jessica Smiddy, and Yuting Zhu for your dedicated efforts on behalf of the ISPTSA during the past school year. We wish you all the best in your future endeavors. Your presence will be missed.
We would like to thank everyone that has stepped up to serve on this year's ISPTSA Executive Board: Emilie Castle, Qiong Chen, Amanda Johnson, Fenghua Shen, Judy Cam, Li Zhang, Jennifer Li, Maggie Lo, Anjum Anwar, Phil Bloch, Gang Chen, and Melissa Richardson. Thank you for helping us enrich our school for our children, our families, and our staff.
We extend a warm welcome to the new IS staff members: Irina Kourilenko (Assistant Principal), Stacy Kunst (Science), Matt Hong (Computer Science), Adreanne Gingras (Paraeducator), Linas Daniel (School Psychologist), and Prabina Dahal (Nurse). We eagerly anticipate collaborating with you and getting to know you better throughout the new year.
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL PTSA NEWS
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 Melissa Richardson, VP of Outreach.
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 2023-2024 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 who will be responsible for specific schools or community partners within our district. Your role will involve reading their newsletters and checking their websites regularly to identify any relevant events or opportunities for our students and families. You'll then craft articles following our guidelines and submit them to the editor. By joining our team, you'll ensure that our students and families are well-informed about the incredible opportunities available to them.

If you're ready to be the voice of our school community and help us keep our kids and families informed, join the Monday Messenger team today! If interested, or if you have any questions, contact Jennifer Li, VP of Communications.
ISPTSA LEADERS AND VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!

Consider getting more involved with PTSA this year! It truly is an ideal way to support our school community, be part of a team, and establish meaningful connections with the school, parents, and broader community.

You can find the complete list of open chair positions here. Chairpersons play a vital role in maintaining our stellar programs and are not always required to attend monthly meetings. We invite you to review the available positions and consider joining the team of parents dedicated to helping IS create an engaging and safe environment for students and staff to learn and work. To learn more or express your interest, please email Melissa Richardson, VP of Outreach.
ISPTSA VOLUNTEERS NEEDED - BACK 2 BUSINESS DAY!

ISPTSA needs your help on Back to Business Day, THIS THURSDAY, AUGUST 24! Help us welcome families to International School while your student gathers their schedule and passes, gets their photo taken, and reconnects with classmates. Sign up here to help at the ISPTSA table. Questions? Contact Melissa Richardson, ISPTSA VP of Outreach.

The school also needs volunteers to help demonstrate how to use lockers, assist with picture day, and support the office.

Shifts:
  • 7:30–10 AM
  • 10 AM–12 PM
  • 12 PM–2:30 PM

Please sign up here to help out in different areas of the school. You may sign up for more than one shift. Questions? Contact Mary Pyrah, International School Office Manager.
ISPTSA RECIEVES FINANICIAL LITERACY GRANT

The ISPTSA is excited to announce that we have received a $1,400 grant from BPM to promote financial literacy and establish a finance club. We're currently seeking a few volunteers to assist in coordinating the club. For any questions or if you're interested in helping, please contact Emilie Castle, ISPTSA Co-President.

Photo: Lily Yin, BPM employee presents the grant check for $1400 to ISPTSA representatives Emilie Castle and Melissa Richardson. 
IS PARENT REPS END OF THE SCHOOL YEAR SOCIAL

On June 20, Yuting Zhu and Qiong Chen, CO-VPs of Community, organized a "bring your own lunch" social event for IS Parent Representatives. During the gathering, they shared their experiences and eagerly anticipated the upcoming school year. Questions? Contact Qiong Chen, ISPTSA Co-President.
WASHINGTON STATE PTA NEWS
CURRENT AND TIMELY WSPTA DISCOUNTS

Did you know that being a member of any Washington State PTA (or PTSA) provides you with some amazing discounts? As a member of International School's PTSA you have access to all of these discounts and more!

Take advantage of these discount offers: 
  • Seattle Symphony - 15% discount on tickets.
  • Corporate Shopping Co. - discounts at over 250 top national retailers. 
  • CheapAirportParking.org - save up to 20% off daily parking rates.
  • Great Wolf Lodge - 30% off.
  • TrophyCentral.com - 10% off.
  • The Real Leather Company - save $15 off leather bag.
  • Obscure Belts - 10% off any leather belt.
  • Tickets at Work - discounts for travel, hotel and attractions.
  • LEGO® Bag - 20% discount on LEGO® Bag products.
  • FedEx Office - special rates for printing.
  • Nectar Bath Treats - 30% off non-sale items.
  • CanvasDiscount.com - save up to 15% on your order.

Keep checking the member discounts page for updated discounts. You received the login for the codes when you joined and were sent your membership card via email. Not a member yet? Join here! Questions? Contact support@wastatepta.org.
SCHOOL NEWS
VOLUNTEER IN THE OFFICE

International School is asking for volunteers to help out in the office.
If you have questions, or would like to volunteer for a shift, please contact Mary Pyrah, IS Office Manager
Back to Business Day

We will be holding our Back to Business Day THIS THURSDAY, August 24. In order to maximize efficiency and minimize crowds, families and students are invited to arrive at the following times:
  • 7:30-9:30  Families with last names A-G
  • 9:30-11:30 Families with last names H-O
  • 12:30-2:30  Families with last names P-Z
 
The following services will be provided at Back to Business:
  • School photos
  • Orca card distribution
  • Laptop distribution for Grade 9 only in Library (students will need time to log into their account at school before taking the computer home)
  • Locker assignment for grades 6-8
  • PTSA sign-up
  • King County Library Systems (KCLS) card requests
  • Learn how to set up Nutrition Services accounts
  • Learn how to pay for fees in TouchBase
  • Learn how to check student class schedules in StudentVue
  • Learn how to update student information in FinalForms
  • Pick up parking permits
  • Information about Drama auditions

We recognize that some students and families will not be able to join us for Back to Business day and that is fine—this day is not required. Students who are unable to attend should access their class schedule in StudentVue prior to the first day of school.  For grades 6-8, the schedule will include their locker number and combination. The school photo make-up day is September 27 during the school day. Laptops for 9th graders will be distributed in the first days of school. Orca cards can be requested in the main office throughout the year. Questions? Email the IS Main Office.
FINALFORMS (ACTION REQUIRED FOR ALL FAMILIES)

FinalForms is an on-line platform that allows you to enter information required for students to attend field trips, after-school activities, and participate in extracurricular activities. For International students, this also includes full participation in the PE program, Focus Week, High School Retreat, and 6th Grade Retreat. As a result, this is required for all families.

Parents/Guardians and students need to update their information each school year. If you have not already done so, please sit down together as a family to complete your FinalForms documents before the first day of school.


Questions? Email the IS Main Office.
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL UPDATE

Two International School Updates were sent through email on Monday, August 7 and Friday, August 18 to all current IS families with great updates. Be sure to check your email and read over them for very important information about the beginning of school. Questions? Email the IS Main Office.
STUDENT NEWS & OPPORTUNITIES
JOIN THE TITAN PLAYERS!

Hello Titans! Are you interested in telling stories through acting and/or providing behind-the-scenes support (from lighting and sound to artistic design)? Well, if the answer is yes, join Titan Players for our fall play next school year. Auditions for our fall play, "Cyrano De Bergerac," a hilarious and well-known story of love and miscommunications, will take place on the first Monday of school, September 11, 4 PM to 7 PM. You can also sign up for tech at auditions or by emailing Nate Bloch. Be a part of something magical next year and join the theatre!

If you have any questions or would like a reminder, don't hesitate to email Nate Bloch.
BELLEVUE SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS
2023-2024 BACK-TO-SCHOOL INFORMATION

Visit BSD’s Back-to-School webpage to get prepared for the 2023-2024 School Year. This quick 10-step guide will steer new and current families through the information necessary to get the next school year started. Information on the page includes details about Annual Online Student Verification & Attendance Policy AgreementAthletics & ActivitiesTransportationHealth and Safety and more. Please note, this page will be updated throughout the summer in preparation for fall. 

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

Signup 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
OPEN
Grants
OPEN
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
SUPPORT YOUR PTSA
Donate Anytime!
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Or write your check to the International School PTSA and send it to:

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.