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| | UPCOMING DATES AND EVENTS | | |
THIS WEEK:
- Monday, 1/26 • No School
- Wednesday, 1/28 • AMC 8
- Wednesday, 1/28, 7–9 PM • ISPTSA General Membership Meeting, Online*
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Friday, 1/30 • Senior Class See's Candies Fundraiser Ends*
NEXT WEEK:
- Tuesday, 2/3, 6:30–7:30 PM • MS Parent Info Night
- Tuesday, 2/3–Wednesday, 2/4 • WIDA Testing
- Saturday, 2/7 • HS Eastshore Vocal Solo and Ensemble
LOOKING AHEAD:
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Tuesday, 2/10 • VOTE!*
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Wednesday, 2/11 • Bite of IS*
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Monday, 2/16–Friday, 2/20 • No School (Mid-Winter Break)
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Tuesday, 2/10, 12:00–1:00 PM • ParentEd Talks Webinar
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Monday, 2/23–Friday, 2/27 • Tech Week
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Friday, 3/6, 7 PM • Drama Performance
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Saturday, 3/7, 2 PM & 7 PM • Drama Performances
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Tuesday, 3/10, 12:00–1:00 PM • ParentEd Talks Webinar
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Wednesday, 3/11 • PTSA 6th Grade Staff Lunch
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Friday, 3/13, 7 PM • Drama Performance
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Saturday, 3/14, 2 PM & 7 PM • Drama Performances
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Wednesday, 3/18, 7 PM • HS Orchestra Concert
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Thursday, 3/19, 7 PM • MS Orchestra Concert
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Monday, 3/23, 7 PM • Band Concert
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Wednesday, 3/25 • SAT Testing
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Wednesday, 3/25 • NHS Blood Drive
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Wednesday, 3/25. 7 PM • Choir Concert
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Thursday, 3/26. 7 PM • Choir Concert
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Friday, 3/27 • No School
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Wednesday, 4/22, 12:00–1:00 PM • ParentEd Talks Webinar
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Tuesday, 5/12, 12:00–1:00 PM • ParentEd Talks Webinar
Click here to view the ISPTSA Calendar, which can be added to your personal Google or Outlook Calendar.
Click here to view the IS Even/Odd Days Calendar for the Year--Subject to change if the schedule does.
Click here to view the District 2025–2026 calendar for families.
*More information in the message below
Orange denotes new/updated calendar entries.
| | INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL PTSA NEWS | | |
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL PTSA GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING
Join us for our upcoming ISPTSA General Membership Meeting!
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When: Wednesday, January 28, 7:00 – 9:00 PM
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Where: ONLINE (Link will be provided closer to the date)
Special Presentations: Alumni & Principal Update
We are excited to welcome back recent IS graduates Sebastian Meisner (Santa Clara University) and Rishita Bhattacharjee (NYU). They will share their college experiences, decision-making processes, and insights on what they wish they had known before graduating.
Principal White will also present an update on International School. There will be time for Q&A following each presentation.
Agenda Highlights:
- Budget
- Standing Rules
- Auction Updates
- Review and Vote on Key ISPTSA Business Matters.
Why Attend? Learn how PTSA funds are used and make your voice heard! This is a great opportunity to ask questions and find ways to support our students, staff, and school.
Who Can Attend? Everyone is welcome: students, staff, families, and community members! While all attendees may participate in discussions, please note that only registered ISPTSA members (including students) may vote.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85466083489?pwd=PkcwNmuHMMFCkGQKTHVE5fkyJmy15U.1
Meeting ID: 854 6608 3489
Passcode: 2026
We hope to see you there!
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URGENT: AUCTION CHAIR NEEDED TO PREVENT FUNDING CUTS
The Auction is our single largest fundraiser of the year. Here is the reality: Without an auction this year, we will be forced to cut funding for student programs and school grants next year.
We cannot make this event happen without leadership. We are urgently looking for volunteers to step up as Auction Chair or Co-Chairs.
You Will Not Be Alone
This is a big role, but you will be supported by past VPs and a committee dedicated to your success. Please help us secure the funding that makes our school special.
Ready to help save our programs? Contact president@isptsa.org today.
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SEE'S CANDIES VALENTINE'S FUNDRAISER FOR CLASS OF 2026
Ready to share the love (and chocolate)? Last week to order! The online store is open until THIS Friday, January 30.
Great gift for your loved ones, or a well-deserved treat for yourself!
Purchase and ship directly to your recipients.
Please share the link. Your purchases help fund the graduation activities that celebrate our seniors and honor the staff who have supported them through the years!
Questions? Contact SeniorFundraising@isptsa.org
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Free shipping on orders over $75!
50% (!) will be donated when you buy the Milk Chocolate Buttercream Heart or the Whiskers & Wags Box; 20% for others.
Questions? Contact SeniorFundraising@isptsa.org
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INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL @ THE KRAKEN!
The Seattle Kraken are excited to collaborate with the International School PTSA to offer an exclusive opportunity to purchase specialty-priced tickets for select games at Climate Pledge Arena this season!
Two games available - THIS Thursday, January 29 & Sunday, March 15!
Join us in Defending the Deep!
Click here for Tickets: ISPTSA x Seattle Kraken
$2 of each ticket purchased will go to ISPTSA.
Tickets cannot be resold, refunded, or exchanged.
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TAKE ACTION: 2026 BELLEVUE LEVIES (NEW UPDATES)
Every four years, voters in Bellevue School District renew two crucial levies. These levies provide funding for basic education and student services not funded by the state.
Existing levies fund 24% of the current Bellevue School District budget: “Yes” for renewal maintains this crucial funding!
Please Renew Our Commitment by Voting "Yes" on Prop. 1 & 2!
Our nationally-ranked schools are the pride of our community. They create lifelong learners and innovators, as well as prepare our students for success in the workplace and life.
These measures are not new taxes or tax increases. They simply sustain the commitment we've made to our students.
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ISPTSA voted to pass a resolution in favor of both Propositions 1 and 2 at the October 29 General Membership Meeting and approved a line item in our budget to donate to Bellevue Quality Schools to help support spreading the word.
Read the latest BSD blog:
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BALLOTS ARRIVING THIS WEEK FOR FEBRUARY 10 LEVY ELECTION
Ballots for the February 10 election are arriving in mailboxes this week. Bellevue School District voters will see two levy renewals on the ballot. These are not new taxes, but renewals that continue critical local funding for schools.
Levy funding supports classroom instruction, student safety, staff, and technology that are essential to daily school operations. These funds help bridge the gap between state funding and the actual cost of providing high quality education for all students.
Families are encouraged to learn more about what the levies support and how they benefit students across the district. Additional information and resources are available on the district website. Read the entire article here.
Read the entire article here.
More information is available on the BSD levy renewal web page.
Watch the video below.
| | Find out more information from Bellevue Quality Schools, donate, and volunteer to help spread the word here. | | |
INVITATION TO A SPECIAL EDUCATION VIRTUAL MIXER
If you’re a leader, carer, family, or community member who’s passionate about supporting WA state special education students, we’d love for you to join the WSPTA Special Education Committee for a MIXER—it’s a great chance to connect socially and get some valuable insights! We’ll be sharing what Special Education & Special Needs PTAs are up to, highlighting what’s working and what could be improved. Plus, we’ll have a legislative update to keep you in the loop.
Happening 6:00-8:00 PM THIS Thursday, January 29
DOOR PRIZE! All attendees eligible to win!
Registration required: HERE
Do you have a unique event you’d like to be considered to have highlighted at this event? Email ptafacedir@wastatepta.org with your story, along with any questions.
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SAFER INTERNET DAY
Safer Internet Day is an international education and awareness-raising effort, celebrated in over 100 countries. Led by ConnectSafely in the United States, it’s a day to bring communities together to discuss challenges families face navigating the digital world, and empowers them to use technology responsibly, respectfully, critically and creatively. Stay tuned for more info about how to participate in Safer Internet Day with National PTA.
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In honor of Safer Internet Day, you are encouraged to watch a webinar from National PTA and ConnectSafely, "Smart Digital Parenting: Navigating Screens with Children and Teens," co-facilitated by our own PTA Connected National Ambassador, Mikki Wilson.
The webinar is designed to bring families the tools to navigate the online world together.
| | INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL NEWS | | |
YEARBOOK SALES CLOSE JANUARY 31!
Pre-purchase your yearbook online today, and get your Sharpie ready for June distribution! Sales close THIS Saturday, January 31.
Questions? Email Jill Follett.
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SAT TESTING FOR 11TH GRADERS
On Wednesday, March 25, International will administer SAT testing for our 11th graders. Please avoid scheduling trips or appointments around that time. The test will start around 8:15 AM and end approximately at 11:15 AM. Students will continue their Wednesday class schedule afterwards.
All 11th graders will be registered to take the test, but if you don’t plan on taking it and wish to opt-out, please notify Betty Nhan (nhanb@bsd405.org) by Wednesday, February 25.
For more information about the College Board exams, please use the following online resources:
Questions? Email Betty Nhan (nhanb@bsd405.org).
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BITE OF IS RETURNS!
We are excited to start planning and announcing the Bite of IS!
Sign-ups for Booths and Performers are still open!
The Bite of IS is a multicultural potluck event held annually in the International School Gym. At the Bite, students, family members, and staff all contribute a culturally significant dish to serve to attendees from their booths. We encourage you to host a booth as an individual, a club, or as families coming together. We are also looking for cultural performances! Students and their guests have the opportunity to perform an act tied to their ethnic background (dance, song, etc.) and can perform solo or in groups for visitors during the event.
This year, proceeds from the Bite of IS will go to Renewal Food Bank, a very local organization supporting our Bellevue families with food assistance and essential hygiene items. Sign-ups for booths and performers are now open, and participation, as well as attendance, is strongly encouraged. The Bite is a great opportunity to embrace the diversity found within our community!
The Bite of IS will take place on Wednesday, February 11, from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM.
Purchase Tickets Online: https://wa-bellevue.intouchreceipting.com/
Sign Up for Booth: 2026 Bite of IS BOOTH Sign Up – Fill out form
Sign Up for Performing: 2026 Bite of IS Performance Sign Up – Fill out form
Learn more about Renewal Food Bank: Renewal Food Bank
Questions? Email Dahlia Parekh or Kaiya Jones.
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MID-YEAR RESET: SUPPLIES & TECHNOLOGY
Welcome back to another week of learning! As we settle into the second half of the school year, we have noticed a significant number of students arriving without the necessary tools to succeed. We ask that you take a moment this week to help your student reset their daily routine.
1. The "Backpack Check" & Re-Stock Many supplies purchased in the fall have been used up or lost. Please check with your student and inspect their backpack to ensure they have the basics.
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Pencils & Pens: A surprising number of students are arriving with no writing utensils at all. Please ensure they have a fresh supply.
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Packed Bags: Help your student build the habit of packing their bag the night before so nothing is left behind in the morning rush.
2. Laptop Logistics Technology is vital to our daily lessons, but a dead battery stops learning in its tracks.
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Charge Nightly: Please establish a routine where laptops are plugged in every single night.
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Bring the Cord: If a battery cannot hold a charge for the full day, the charging cord must be in the backpack so the student can charge up during class.
Thank you for your partnership in ensuring our students are prepared and ready to learn every day!
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EVENTS CALENDAR:
CULTURAL CALENDAR:
All Month:
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January • Americans of Chinese Descent History Month
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January • School Board Recognition Month
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February • Black History Month
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February • Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month
Specific Days:
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Tuesday, 1/27 • International Holocaust Remembrance Day
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Sunday, 2/1 • National Freedom Day
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Monday, 2/2–Friday, 2/6 • National School Counseling Week
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Wednesday, 2/4 • Rosa Parks Day
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Saturday, 2/14 • Valentine's Day
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Sunday, 2/15 • Maha Shivaratri
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Monday, 2/16 • Presidents' Day
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Tuesday, 2/17–Thursday 3/19 • Ramadan
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Tuesday, 2/17 • National PTA Founders Day
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Tuesday, 2/17 • Lunar New Year
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Wednesday, 2/18 • Ash Wednesday
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Wednesday, 2/25–Saturday, 2/28 • Ayyám-i-Há or Intercalary Days
Click here to view all District calendars.
*More information in the message below
Orange denotes new/updated calendar entries
| | BELLEVUE SCHOOL DISTRICT NEWS | |
KEEPING KIDS HEALTHY: VACCINE GUIDELINES FOR WINTER
As we move through winter, it is important for families to stay up to date on recommended vaccinations for children. Vaccines help prevent serious illness, limit the spread of disease, and reduce missed school days so students can stay healthy and learning. Bellevue School District follows guidance from the Washington State Department of Health, which aligns with national pediatric recommendations.
Recent measles cases in Washington highlight the importance of immunization. Measles is highly contagious, and most cases occur in people who are not vaccinated. The measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine is safe, effective, and recommended at ages 1 and 4. Families can use the MyIR Mobile system to review immunization records and receive reminders for upcoming vaccines. Contact your healthcare provider with questions about your child’s immunizations. Read the entire article here.
Read the entire newsletter here. Questions? Contact BSD.
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JANUARY 22 BSD NEWS AND EVENTS E NEWSLETTER (NEW)
The January 22 BSD News and Events E-Newsletter shares timely updates and important information for Bellevue School District families. Highlights include reminders about recommended student vaccinations, details on the upcoming February 10 levy renewal election, and districtwide news focused on student health, safety, and learning.
Families can also find links to resources, upcoming events, and additional announcements from across the district. The E-Newsletter is a helpful way to stay informed about what is happening in BSD schools and how district decisions and initiatives support students and families. Read the entire article here.
Read the entire newsletter here. Don't receive the district newsletter? Sign up here! You can see all newsletters here. Questions? Contact BSD.
| | BSF SPRING FOR SCHOOLS 2026 | | |
WHY JOIN PTSA?
Joining International School PTSA means having a voice in how fundraising dollars are spent and supporting programs like staff appreciation, student clubs, Reflections arts, and community events.
We advocate for families at the school, state, and national levels.
Members also get Washington State and National PTA benefits, including discounts and resources.
Both students and adults can join as full voting members. Join us to stay connected and make a difference in the IS community!
Questions? Contact membership@isptsa.org.
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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.
| | MASTHEAD / DIRECTORY / LINKS | | Serving International School in the Bellevue School District | |
SUPPORT YOUR PTSA
Donate Anytime!
| | | | 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.
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Please limit articles to 600 characters including spaces. If your article is longer than 600 characters, we will edit for length and then attach a document that contains the entire article.
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Please include contact information for questions from readers. If no contact is included, the email used to send the submission will be used.
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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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