September 4, 2023
MONDAY MESSENGER

The first day of school is THIS Tuesday, September 5.
SHOUT-OUTS!
The following are shout-outs and thank-yous from various members of our community.
We would like to express our gratitude to Jen Sorensen, Colleen Courtney, Jill Follet, and all those who contributed to the success of College Boot Camp—an event that makes IS truly exceptional!
UPCOMING DATES AND EVENTS
THIS WEEK:
  • Tuesday, 9/5 School Starts*
  • Thursday, 9/7, 8:15–9:30 AM • Middle School Tailgate*
  • Thursday, 9/7, 4 PM–7 PM • Drama Auditions*
  • Friday, 9/8 • 6th Grade Retreat

NEXT WEEK:
  • Tuesday, 9/12–Wednesday, 9/13 • High School Retreat*
  • Thursday, 9/14, 8:15–9:30 AM • High School Tailgate*

LOOKING AHEAD:
  • 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)
  • Thursday, 11/2, 6:30 PM (Time Change) • 11th Grade Parent Night
  • Friday, 11/3, 7 PM • IS Drama's "Cyrano De Bergerac"
  • Saturday, 11/4, 2 pm & 7 PM • IS Drama's "Cyrano De Bergerac"
  • Tuesday, 11/7, 6:30 PM • 6th Grade Parent Night
  • Thursday, 11/9 • End of 1st Quarter
  • Friday, 11/10 • No School (Veteran's Day)
  • Wednesday, 11/15, 7 PM • HS Band Concert
  • Thursday, 11/23–Friday, 11/24 • No School (Thanksgiving)
  • Monday, 11/27–Friday, 12/1 • Snowflake Drive
  • Tuesday, 11/28, 6:30 PM • Middle School Parent Night
  • Wednesday, 11/29, 7 PM • Orchestra Concert
  • Thursday, 11/30, 7 PM • MS Band Concert

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.
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL PTSA NEWS
ISPTSA MEMBERSHIP 2023–2024
 
Welcome back, parents and guardians, teachers, and students. We are launching our membership drive for the next two months and we need your support. We are in the unique position of consistently achieving 100% PTSA membership from our community each year.

Visit isptsa.org to sign up:
  • Family (3 people) $35
  • Dual (2 people) $25
  • Single or students $15

You can also contribute to our membership scholarship fund, accessible to anyone including teachers. Additionally, you can donate now or later to our Fall Campaign. Let's kick off strongly and aim for 250 memberships by September 5. Questions? Contact membership@isptsa.org.
JOIN THE MONDAY MESSENGER TEAM: BE THE VOICE OF OUR SCHOOL COMMUNITY!

As a unique environment drawing from multiple high schools and middle schools in our district, we need your help to stay connected and informed!

Do you already receive another school's newsletter or love to keep up with what is happening at the district level? 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 submit that information to the editor to be added to the next Monday Messenger. 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, VP of Communications.
TAILGATE TIME!!!

Middle School Tailgate:
THIS Thursday, September 7, 8:15–9:30 AM
Kelsey Creek Park parking lot, 410 130th Place SE, Bellevue

High School Tailgate:
Thursday, September 14, 8:15–9:30 AM
Kelsey Creek Park parking lot, 410 130th Place SE, Bellevue

As we start a terrific year at International School, ISPTSA welcomes our parents and guardians to meet at the nearby Kelsey Creek Park parking lot right after drop-off. Enjoy coffee and treats between 8:15 and 9:30 AM and take this great opportunity to meet other families before heading off to your day. Middle School Tailgate will be THIS Thursday, September 7 and High School Tailgate will be on Thursday, September 14. Just show up for a quick bite or stay for longer! For questions, email Co-VPs of Community, Maggie Lo and Anjum Anwar.
STAFF APPRECIATION LUNCH

On Wednesday, August 30, the PTSA hosted a lunch for the staff during their Professional Learning and Development Day. Questions? Contact VPCommunity@isptsa.org.
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
FIRST DAYS OF SCHOOL

The first day of school is Tuesday, September 5. Classes begin at 8:15 AM. We will be operating on a special schedule with ALL 7 classes meeting on this day (50-minute classes) rather than our usual Odd/Even schedule.

On the second day of school, we will also have a unique schedule and students will be with their Community groups all day. No classes will be held on this Wednesday. Classes will resume with the normal schedule on Thursday.

Questions? Email the IS Main Office.
HIGH SCHOOL RETREAT

As a reminder, our annual High School Retreat is September 12 – 13 at Warm Beach Camp.
  • If you have not yet paid the $125 fee, please do so online.
  • Parent chaperones are still needed. Please contact Abi Horsfall if you are interested.
  • If your student is unable to attend, please contact Abi Horsfall as soon as possible so that we can plan accordingly.
Questions? Email the IS Main Office.
FINAL FORMS COMPLETION REMINDER

FinalForms is used to provide permission for students to participate in clubs, activities, trips, and even PE at International (permission for off-campus runs). This is essential for the High School Retreat in September. This is required for everyone to complete and so far only 55% of student forms have been successfully completed. Please complete this prior to the start of school. Questions? Email the IS Main Office.
VOLUNTEER IN THE OFFICE

International School is asking for volunteers to help out in the office.

Shifts:
  • Monday 10:15-12:15 – rotate every two weeks
  • Wednesday 10:15-11:15 – rotate every two weeks
  • Thursday 10:15-11:30 – rotate every two weeks
  • Thursday 11:30-1:30 – rotate every two weeks

If you have questions or would like to volunteer for a shift, please contact Mary Pyrah, IS Office Manager
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL UPDATE

Two International School Updates were sent through email on Friday, August 25 and Friday, September 1 to all current IS families with great updates. The August 25 email can also be found here on the IS website. 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.
2023 EMP HACKATHON

Join EmP Hackfest's first-ever in-person high school (grades 9-12) hackathon THIS Saturday and Sunday, September 9-10, at the Microsoft Reactor. Teams of 2-5 can tackle themed challenges, create tech solutions, and win up to $1,000 in gift cards. No experience required—sign up here by September 6.

Questions? Visit our FAQ or email emp.hackathon@gmail.com.
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. 

An e-newsletter was sent to BSD staff and families on Thursday, August 24, which includes updated back-to-school resources, district updates and upcoming events. You can read it here. Questions? Contact BSD.
COMMUNITY NEWS
BELLEVUE SCHOOLS FOUNDATION

The Bellevue Schools Foundation invites you to join us in celebrating our new superintendent, Dr. Kelly Aramaki!
Dr. Kelly Aramaki was just sworn in as the new Superintendent of the Bellevue School District! We invite you to join us in making his first year in this new role a great one, with a fundraising campaign in his honor. Your donation will support the Dr. Aramaki Innovation Fund, as well as mini-grants to educators throughout the district. Thank you for celebrating this new chapter with us!
Questions? Contact Bellevue Schools Foundation or check out the website here.
BIGFOOT KIDS' BOOK FESTIVAL

When: THIS Saturday, September 9th, 10 AM4PM

Mark your calendars for the first ever Bigfoot Kids' Book Festival, a full day of children's books authors and illustrators connecting with kids through book signings, panels, and activities! You won't want to miss it! There will be authors there for all ages from infant through high school. Find more info here. Questions? Email bigfootkidsbookfest@gmail.com.
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
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
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.