ICS PTSA NEWSLETTER

October 13, 2024

See the ICS Calendar for more upcoming event dates.

ASB CLUBS NEED YOUR SUPPORT

ICS has a long and proud tradition of offering students a variety of rewarding extracurricular clubs and activities. PTSA-sponsored clubs are parent led; ASB clubs are student led with the help of a faculty advisor. However, some bigger ASB clubs also need parent volunteer support to thrive.

Two of ICS’ great ASB clubs need parent liaisons. These positions are perfect volunteer opportunities for parents to give their time on their time – much of the work involves virtual coordinating that can be done from home. Read on for more details. 

FBLA CLUB NEEDS TWO PARENT LIAISONS

The Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) is an ASB club advised by Ms. Sullivan. In FBLA, student members in grades 9-12, “sharpen skills in teamwork, leadership, and public speaking,” and compete in regional conferences. Ms. Sullivan needs two parent liaisons to support FBLA club logistics.

The parent liaisons will handle all online and paper forms, including helping students register for competition and collecting permission slips. Liaisons will also arrange transportation and housing for ICS students participating in FBLA competitions. Liaisons don’t need to do original research - they will be connected with the right people for buses and given a list of approved hotels.

The FBLA parent liaisons are welcome but NOT required to attend any fields trips but will help the PTSA find and coordinate chaperones. Occasionally attending FBLA meetings is helpful but optional. (General meetings are held Thursdays after school and executive meetings are Tuesdays at lunch). Our future leaders need you! Please email president@icsptsa.org if you are interested in supporting FBLA! 

MODEL UNITED NATIONS (MUN) NEEDS TWO PARENT LIAISONS

Model United Nations (MUN) is a long-standing club at ICS with very prestigious and accomplished alumni. In MUN, students in grades 6-12 have the opportunity to research and debate topics ranging from geopolitical tensions in the South China Sea to roleplaying as Greek Gods fighting over control of Mount Olympus. By attending a variety of conferences held at universities and hotels across Seattle and the Eastside, not only does MUN provide an interesting avenue for students to practice their public speaking skills, but it allows them to expand their social circle and develop research and knowledge in a variety of topics.  

MUN faculty advisor Ms. Kim is looking for two parent liaisons to help with on-campus events such as MUN Game Night, the Middle School Dance, and the Candy Gram Fundraiser. Liaisons will assist Ms. Kim in planning these events, including coordinating with the PTSA to recruit event volunteers.  

This amazing club can’t run without parent help! Please email president@icsptsa.org if you are interested in supporting MUN!

PARENTS, DONATE NOW - YOUR KIDS ARE COUNTING ON YOU!

11th grade is in the lead and closing in on Friday donuts! 6th and 9th grade is right behind. Parents step up and help your child's grade be the first to earn a pizza party! Show up for your students' grades and ICS and DONATE HERE NOW!

WHY ARE PTSA DONATIONS CRITICALLY IMPORTANT?

ICS relies on family and matching contributions to the PTSA for well … EVERYTHING! Donations are so important that we are launching our first ever PTSA membership drive. Your student's grade could earn:

• A Pizza Party: during lunch on Friday, November 15 for students of any grade that reaches a 75% membership rate.
• Donuts: at the end of lunch on Friday, November 15 for students of any grade that reaches a 70% membership rate.

Did you know that before covid the PTSA had 100% participation? Our goal is to reach 100% participation again to keep and grow the core programs that drew you family to ICS. The suggested donation amount is $225 per family per school year, but any amount helps us reach our goal. So far, we have reached only 73% of our $80,000 goal. THANK YOU to all families who have donated already.

Note for those donating through Benevity (commonly used by Microsoft and other employers’ portals), there is a 30–45-day delay before we receive notification of your donation/matching funds. Please email treasurer@icsptsa.org for more information.

REFLECTIONS 2024-25 CALL FOR ENTRIES

This year's theme is Accepting Imperfections. The due date for entries is Thursday, November 7 by 11:00 PM. The complete rules are listed on our website. More details will be shared next week! For further questions, contact reflections@icsptsa.org.

A FANTASTIC ART DAY STARTS NOW!

Parents, the Art Day Committee is gearing up for another fantastic Art Day event for ICS students. This is an annual event in which students have expressed much interest and excitement. The tentative date for Art Day is Jan 27, 2025. We would appreciate your help with a few items as the planning continues. 

We will need the following volunteers:

• Art Day Committee Co-Chair
• Tech Team - Need 2 Volunteers with coding skills (Our app is GO / C++ but we welcome any language).

We need ideas for Art Day course options, i.e. Dance, Henna, Sculpting, Cooking, etc. The sky is the limit! Add more ideas by clicking this form.

Or email artday@icsptsa.org. Thank you! The Art Day Committee

What is International Pronouns Day?

International Pronouns Day began in 2018 and takes place on the 3rd Wednesday of October each year to educate and raise awareness about respecting and sharing personal pronouns. Referring to people by the pronouns they determine for themselves is one of many important ways we can show respect for one another and foster an inclusive learning and working environment.

The day's purpose is to promote the importance of respecting, sharing, and educating people about personal pronouns. It's also a day to recognize how pronouns shape people's sense of identity and to celebrate the diversity of human identities.

You can learn more about personal pronouns and why they matter - including sharing and asking about personal pronouns, and how to respond if you make a mistake when using pronouns - at MyPronouns.org.