September 30, 2024

MONDAY MESSENGER

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UPCOMING DATES AND EVENTS

THIS WEEK:

  • Wednesday, 10/2, 7:30–10 AM • Picture Day*
  • Thursday, 10/3, 9–10 AM • Principal Coffee*

NEXT WEEK:

  • Monday, 10/7, 9:30–11:30 AM • Bellevue PTSA Council General Membership Meeting*
  • Wednesday, 10/9 • Super Wednesday (PSAT/SAT)
  • Wednesday, 10/9 • Curriculum Night
  • Thursday, 10/10, 3:15 PM • Hall Decorations
  • Friday, 10/11 • No School

LOOKING AHEAD:

  • Monday, 10/14–Friday, 10/18 • Spirit Week
  • Saturday, 10/19 • Homecoming Dance
  • Tuesday, 10/22 • 9th/10th Grade Parent Night
  • Wednesday, 10/23, 6:30–8:30 PM • ISPTSA General Membership Meeting
  • Friday, 11/1 • End of First Quarter
  • Tuesday, 11/12 • 11th Grade Parent Night
  • Friday, 11/15 • Drama Performance "Little Women"
  • Saturday, 11/16 • Drama Performance "Little Women"
  • Tuesday, 11/19 • 6th Grade Parent Night
  • Thursday, 11/21 • HS Band Concert
  • Thursday, 11/28–Friday, 11/29 • No School: Thanksgiving Break


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.

A big thank you to the ISPTSA for the generous $1,000 grant for school art supplies! With this funding, we were able to purchase a variety of materials, including clay modeling tools, ceramic paints, paint brushes, markers, sponges, special paper, pencils, and more.


We also want to extend our gratitude to all the families whose donations made this grant possible. Your support enriches our students’ creative experiences!

We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Lisa Neshyba for volunteering to be the Teacher Liaison to the ISPTSA this year! We look forward to working with you and appreciate your dedication to fostering collaboration between staff and the PTSA.

INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL PTSA NEWS

STAFF DINNER ON CURRICULUM NIGHT


On Thursday, October 9, our teachers and staff will have a long day hosting Curriculum Night. To thank them for their hard work, we are organizing a light dinner.


We need your help to provide food for around 40 teachers. Each sign-up slot serves 12-15 people. Drop off your food in the staff lounge by 5 PM on Thursday, October 9.


Click here to sign up!


Questions? Contact Maggie Lo at vpcommunity1@isptsa.org.


Thank you for supporting our teachers and staff!

THANK YOU FOR A GREAT ICE CREAM SOCIAL!


Thank you to everyone who attended our first all-school social event of the year—the ice cream social! It was wonderful to meet new faces and get to know all of you.


A special thank you to our principal, vice principal, and the amazing volunteers who helped make the event a success:

  • Student volunteers: Chloe Lo, Noah Fang, Jack Lo, Elliana Zhao, and Ehan Ali
  • Parent volunteers: Judy Cam, Jerry Nguyen, Aaron Morin, and Jacky Lo

We appreciate your support! Questions? Email our Co-VP's of Community, Maggie Lo and Farangis Sepheri.

JOIN THE ISPTSA GRANTS COMMITTEE FOR 2024-2025!


The ISPTSA Grants Committee is seeking one additional member for the 2024-2025 school year. This is your chance to help allocate funds that enhance the student experience at International School.


Commitment:

  • Attend two meetings:
  • Tuesday, October 8, 7:00–9:00 PM
  • Tuesday, January 14, 7:00–9:00 PM

As a committee member, you will review and select grant proposals that support educational projects and initiatives.


Interested or have questions? Please email Qiong Chen, Grants Committee Chair. Make a lasting impact on our school community!

ISPTSA MEMBERSHIP


All ISPTSA members are Washington State PTA and National PTA members. Please click the link to the websites WSPTA member discounts and National PTA member offers for special member discounts, such as: 15% off concert and event tickets at the Seattle Symphony;  25% Off Rentals at Avis Car Rentals; 30% off at Great Wolf Lodge; Special Rates for Printing at FedEx Office; and much more.


We are inviting every IS family to join ISPTSA to help us reach the 100% membership goal and help you with some amazing discounts. Please Sign in to Renew OR Click here to Join today! Remember, memberships have to be renewed every year.


Questions? Contact membership@isptsa.org.

RAISE THE TORCH


Raise the Torch is ISPTSA's annual Fall Fundraiser! Support our amazing community by donating today.


To learn more and contribute, click here.


For questions, please email VPFundraising@isptsa.org.

SCHOOL DIRECTORY UPDATE


We’ve received inquiries about the school directory. Please note that we cannot compile this year’s directory until we receive information from the school, which typically occurs in October. Only families who agreed to share their information during the back-to-school forms will have access to the directory. This ensures the protection of our families' information.


Thank you for your patience! If you have any questions, please email VPCommunications@isptsa.org.

BELLEVUE PTSA COUNCIL NEWS

BELLEVUE PTSA COUNCIL GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING


Join us for the Bellevue PTSA Council General Membership Meeting on Monday, October 7, 9:30–11:30 AM in the Rainier Room, Wilburton Instructional Service Center, 12241 Main St, Bellevue, WA, 98005. Everyone is welcome to attend, but you must be a member of a local PTA or PTSA to vote. Each PTSA can designate up to four voting members per meeting.


This meeting is an excellent opportunity to learn about what's happening at the Bellevue School District level. Many BSD representatives, including Dr. Aramaki, often attend to speak and share updates.


Stay informed and join us!

SCHOOL NEWS

PRINCIPAL COFFEE


Family members are invited to this year's first Principal Coffee THIS Thursday, October 3 in the IS Library from 9:00 - 10:00 AM. Come learn about some of the priorities of the school this year along with upcoming events. 

NURSE'S CORNER


Each week, our school nurse, Prabina Dahal, will be sharing important health information related to our students. This week’s focus is on Anticipatory Guidance for 6th - 12th Graders:


Nutrition:

  • Children at this age require increased calcium and iron in their diet.
  • Must consume at least three meals a day that should include protein, vegetables, fruits, and complex carbohydrates.
  • It is necessary to remind teens of the importance of eating a good breakfast everyday.
  • It is important to monitor your child for eating disorders

Follow : MyPlate | U.S. Department of Agriculture


(Source: Kramer, D. Primary Well-Being: Case Studies for the Growing Child; Springer. Nature: Dordrecht, GX, Netherlands, 2017; ISBN)


Vaccines:

Questions? Email Prabina Dahal, IS School Nurse.

PICTURE MAKE-UP DAY


Lifetouch photographers will take student photos on Wednesday, October 2. Should you wish to order school pictures please go to www.lifetouch.com and enter the code EVT84XG2J.  If you have any questions please contact: Jennifer Heppe, Lifetouch Account Specialist, at (510)372-1525 or Jennifer.heppe@shutterfly.com.

PLEASE TALK TO YOUR CHILDREN!


The field is now closed during lunchtime because kids are not cleaning up after themselves. Staff have also noticed that many of the tables in the Commons are being left messy. Please talk to your children about making sure they clean up after themselves so that they can once again spend time outside on nice days.

Picture Day

PICTURE DAY VOLUNTEERS


We need six volunteers for Picture Day on Wednesday, October 2 from 7:30-10:00 AM, please. Sign up here. Questions? Email Mary Pyrah, IS Office Manager.

YEARBOOK AND SENIOR GRAD ADS ARE AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE!


International’s 2024-25 yearbook is available for purchase online for $55. Find it under Back to School items on TouchBase. (Log in, pick student, pick "my school," and then "back to school" under categories.)

 

Seniors: Purchase your full-page grad ad for $40 no later than Sunday, October 13. Digital art for grad ad due by Wednesday, November 13.

STUDENT NEWS AND OPPORTUNITIES

TITAN ROBOTICS


Titan Robotics is International School's amazing robotics club. This past summer we were very active in our community!


Titan Robotics Club Summer 2024 Outreach:

  •  7/23: Salvation Army summer camp, focusing on underrepresented groups in STEM. We taught kids to operate FTC robots and introduced them to FIRST and robotics opportunities in schools.
  • 8/3: Seafair, where we demonstrated various robots.
  • 8/5-8/6: Little Masters Club summer camp. We taught them to drive FTC robots and guided them through a project using the engineering design process.
  • 8/15: Crossroads Park. We displayed our FRC basketball robot at the BSD booth.
  • 9/14: STEAMnasium opening. We introduced FIRST and TRC to attendees, including the Superintendent.

We welcome all students in grades 6-12 to join our robotics teams (FLL, FTC, and FRC)! These clubs provide a great opportunity to not only learn STEM-related skills, but also practice soft skills such as teamwork, critical thinking, and leadership. We meet and have activities all year around. If you are interested in joining us or have any questions, please contact Grace Zeng, TRC Outreach Head.

AMERICAN MATHEMATICS COMPETITION


Founded in 1950, the AMC (American Mathematics Competition) is the preeminent math competition for students K-12. Today, over 300,000 students in 50 states and over 30 countries take the AMC to bolster their confidence and passion for math.


Register for the AMC 10/12 test today! This 25-question, 75-min MCQ exam challenges students to help develop creative problem-solving skills.

 

Important Details:

AMC 10: Grade 10 or below; under 17.5 yrs on test day

AMC 12: Grade 12 or below; under 19.5 yrs on test day


Registration Deadline: Monday, October 28

 

AMC 10 A or AMC 12 A

- Competition Date: Wednesday, November 6

AMC 10 B or AMC 12 B

- Competition Date: Tuesday, November 12

 

Where: Library

Students can take the AMC 10 OR 12 on each competition date but cannot take both on the same day

 

Message Mary Chu with questions: chum@bsd405.org

Registration Fee: $5 PREPAID

Register: https://shorturl.at/1zIM6

VOLUNTEER AT THE CHERRY CREST CARNIVAL!


We are looking for International School student volunteers to help lead Carnival games at Cherry Crest Elementary. This is a great opportunity to spread joy, learn valuable life skills, earn volunteer hours, and ensure the elementary students have a fantastic time!


  • When: Friday, October 4, volunteer shifts available from 3:45 PM to 6:45 PM
  • Where: Cherry Crest Elementary, 12400 NE 32nd St, Bellevue, WA 98005


Sign up here: Volunteer Sign-up Link


Questions? Email carnival@cherrycrest-ptsa.org.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY: SOMERSET ELEMENTARY PTSA TRUNK-OR-TREAT


Somerset Elementary PTSA is hosting its Third Annual Trunk-or-Treat on Saturday, October 26, from 3:00–5:00 PM in the Somerset Parking Lot, and we need high school volunteers!


Volunteers will support Trunk Hosts, replenish candy, help keep the area clean, and assist with crowd control and event safety. It’s a fun and easy way to earn volunteer hours!


If you're interested, please sign up using this link.


Thank you for helping make this event a success! Questions? Email somersetptsa.tot@gmail.com.

SPELLING BEE VOLUNTEERS


Cherry Crest Elementary needs high school volunteers for our 2024-2025 Spelling Bees! Help us create a memorable experience as pronouncers at our competitions.


Information:

  • When: Wednesday, November 6, 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM and/or Wednesday, February 5, 6 PM – 8:30 PM
  • Where: Cherry Crest Elementary, 12400 NE 32nd St, Bellevue, WA 98005

Sign Up:

Details:

  • No experience required. Volunteer hours are available.
  • Volunteers’ responsibilities include:
  • Please read the Pronouncer Role and Responsibility document prior to signing up.
  • Please arrive by 5:45 PM and stay until 8:30 PM to help clean up.

For questions, contact Abhishek Sinha at spellingbee@cherrycrest-ptsa.org.

BELLEVUE SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS

ADVISORY COMMITTEES


Support Career and Technical Education by joining an Advisory Committee. Read more here. Questions? Contact BSD.

SUPERINTENDENT'S BLOG: BSD'S BELOVED COMMUNITY


Don’t miss Dr. Aramaki's September 25 blog post on Building the Beloved Community. Read it here. Questions? Contact BSD.

SUPERINTENDENT ARAMAKI'S DONATION TO BSF SPARKS CALL TO ACTION


Superintendent Aramaki leads BSF’s fall fundraiser with a personal pledge for BSD’s Beloved Community. Read more here. Questions? Contact BSD.

BSD NEWSLETTER


An e-newsletter was sent to BSD staff and families on Thursday, September 26. Read it here. Don't receive the district newsletter? Sign up here! You can see all newsletters here. Questions? Contact BSD.

COMMUNITY NEWS

BOY SCOUTS INTEREST NIGHT – BELLEVUE TROOP 438


Monday, October 14, 7:30–8:45 PM


Is your child interested in joining Boy Scouts? Now is the perfect time for 11- to 13-year-olds to start! Join us for Boy Scouts Interest Night to learn about scouting—no prior experience needed.


Location:

Troop 438 meets Monday nights at 3730 148th Ave SE, Bellevue.


Scouting develops leadership skills and citizenship through fun activities like hiking, camping, and volunteering. Scouts can earn merit badges in cooking, first aid, robotics, and more.


RSVP: Email janinele@yahoo.com or visit Troop 438’s website.


Come discover what scouting has to offer! Read more here.

DANCE WORKSHOP


There’s no school on Friday, October 11! Do you have friends, family, neighbors who want to ensure a productive and fun activity for their student during this school-day off? Expose them to our award-winning 3A dance program at Newport High School at an early age, and see firsthand the lifelong, transformative effects. The Newport High School Varsity Drill Team is hosting a Little Drillers’ workshop for kids from Kindergarten through 8th grade. Sign up here. Questions? Email Wendy Wilson.

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. If no contact is included, the email used to send the submission will be used.
  • 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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