January 22, 2018

Upcoming Events and Deadlines
1/22/2018 - 1/26/2018 All Week Finals Week Schedule
1/29/2018 All Day No School - Professional Development Day
2/9/2018 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Bite of IS - Gym
PTSA NEWS
ISPTSA NOMINATION COMMITTEE NEEDS YOU!

URGENT! Nominating Committee Members Needed! Please Consider Volunteering!

The ISPTSA needs 3 volunteers to participate in this years Nominating Committee. No nominations were received at the January General Membership Meeting. Please consider nominating yourself or an individual who is a current PTSA member, who cares about the best interests of the ISPTSA, and the IS Community as a whole. Please see link for further information about Nominating Committee responsibilities. 

To nominate someone please contact ISPTSA President Meribeth Nordloef-Pedersen at   [email protected] or Amy Frei, ISPTSA Secretary at [email protected] . Thank you!

JANUARY STAFF APPRECIATION LUNCH - THANK YOU 7TH GRADE PARENTS!

On Wednesday January 17, the 7th Grade parent volunteers hosted a delicious international quick and easy bites meal for the IS staff appreciation Luncheon. The staff enjoyed pot stickers, rolled up sandwiches, meat trays, spanakopita, flatbread/pita with hummus...and much more. Special thank you to all of the 7th grade families who donated food for this event,  and many other fabulous 7th grade parents for providing set-up and clean-up help.

 
The next Staff Appreciation Lunch will be hosted by the Chinese parents in PTSA on February 14. If you are interested in helping, please use SignUpGenius link to sign up: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0d4badae2caafb6-2018

If you interested in being part of the planning committee, please contact Wei Xiong at [email protected]
6TH GRADE PARENT MEET-UP IS JANUARY 30TH, 6:00 PM AT RIVUE BAR & GRILL

Happy New Year! The 6th Grade Parent Reps are excited to have the first  6th Grade Parent Meet Up of the year. It's an opportunity to ask questions, connect with other parents, connect with the parents of your kids' friends, provide feedback and help the community. Hope to see you there!
 
When: Tuesday, 1/30, 6 - 7:30 pm
Where: Rivue Bar & Grill
(Located in Bellevue Residence Inn. Yes, great food and great atmosphere.)
 

Contact:   Sophia Cheng (Lily Ulrich's mom), [email protected]  , 408.892.5993 or
Courtney Stanton (Rian Stanton's mom), [email protected], 425.289.9694 with any questions.
MEMBERSHIP

Thank you for everyone that is enthusiastically helping us reach the finish line of 100% PTSA membership. We need just 47 more members . Did you know that we are over 200 more members from last year? We are a super community.
Did you think you were already a member or signed up at back to school? If your name is not on the list, you are not a member yet. Review the list  here.
If you signed up for a single membership, you can add a person from your family for an additional $15.00 and become a dual membership. Every member counts toward our goal.
Students are members too. Would your student like to be a PTSA member, they can!
Please Join Us!. Or if you would prefer to send in a check, download and fill out the form and drop it off at the office.
Thanks to every parent and teacher and student who is supporting this goal. Any questions, please contact Joanie Chang at [email protected].
QUESTION OF THE WEEK
   

 
Here is our question of the week as we get to know our community.  What are some of your favorite things to do with friends in our IS Community?
 

 

 




Thanks to everyone who responded to our QW last week. Here are the Results:  

Q.:  What kind of things gave you a sense of belonging to your school in middle or/and high school?
A.:  
* Participating in charity events by grade level. Seniors vs Sophomores, etc. Adopt a School wide cause of Children helping other children.
* Time to hang out - lunch, study hall
* Pep rallies on Fridays for all sports & other teams.
* Science Fairs and fundraisers where kids work together for their school-fun events not just about academics. Things like car washes-field trips and sports teams give you a feeling of community!!
* The school newspaper was my world. The pride in producing it and the constant deadlines made us a tight group and we got to know the school really well.
* Specifically - my school band was amazing. That especially included the marching band.


ISPTSA VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE NOW

We have Four volunteer opportunities available now-- Scholastic Book Fair, Campus Improvement (Curtains) Chair, Campus Improvement Day Chair, and Closet Organizer. Please see descriptions below and contact the person in charge if interested or have questions. Thank you for your consideration!
 
Scholastic Book Fair Chair
1-2 volunteers needed to organize the Scholastic book fair (early February). Will have lots of support from Michele Dang (Librarian) & Tara Jones (Research Technology Specialist). Attend in-person workshop or online webinar on running a book fair; collaborate with Michele & Tara; organize, manage, and train volunteers; make sure paperwork is completed for PTSA & Scholastic. Any questions or interest please contact Li Wu at  [email protected].

Campus Improvement Day Chair
Leader needed for our Campus Improvement Day. The event is planned for February 10th. The person will lead the effort to work with the administration to have a plan to improve our campus on that day.  Any questions or interest please contact Meribeth Nordloef-Pedersen  [email protected] .

Curtains for International School - (community campus improvement project)
With the support of the PTSA, we are planning on replacing the paper curtains that are used during lockdowns. We have the collected the materials needed to start assembling the curtains.   We are looking for parent volunteers to help cut the material using the quilting board and rotary cutters.   Help is also needed for snipping,  gluing, sewing and installing the curtains.  We are also looking to borrow the following supplies for our work party  - Quilting boards, very sharp  fabric scissors, rotary cutters.  Please, contact Minal Shah at   [email protected]  or 425 633 7659, if you any questions regarding this project.  

PTSA Closet Organizer Extraordinare
1-2 volunteers needed to be in charge of the PTSA closet -- keeping it organized, replenishing supplies as needed, tracking down borrowed items... etc. Any questions or interest please contact Li Wu  [email protected].
School News
BITE OF INTERNATIONAL 2018 IS FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9TH

Our annual Bite of IS will be held this year on Friday, February 9th .
We are seeking Food, Crafts and Entertainment Volunteers!
This event can't happen without strong community support. 
We need volunteers to bring a food, craft or entertainment idea reflecting a country, region, or heritage. 

Sign up for a booth by filling out this form and dropping it off at front office. 
Each booth host will receive one ticket for the event. 
Sign up by January 26th to receive an additional extra ticket!

International Foods Buffet

Friday, February 9th

6:00pm to 8:00pm

IS Gym

Ticket: (Suggested donation) $10 per person 

Tickets can be purchased at front office or at the door on the day of event.

Join the International School community in our annual fundraiser. 
This year, all proceeds will benefit the We Foundation (formerly Free the Children), a worldwide development charity and youth empowerment movement focusing on young people, with programs in Canada, the U.S. and U.K. for service learning and active citizenship, and international development projects in Asia, Africa and Latin America focused on children and education.
For more info, contact Bite of IS Committee, [email protected] or [email protected], or parent coordinator Josephine Anderson at  [email protected].
IS HOSTS SHOWING OF 'ANGST' FILM ON TUESDAY, MARCH 27 AT 7:00 PM IN IPAC

Please join us on Tuesday, March 27th at 7:00 PM in the IPAC for a showing of Angst, a film that explores anxiety, its causes, effects and what we can do about it. The filmmakers' goal is to have a global conversation and raise awareness around anxiety. Angst features candid interviews with kids and young adults who suffer, or have suffered, from anxiety and what they've learned about it. The film includes discussions with mental health experts about the causes of anxiety and its sociological effects, as well as help, resources and tools. Following the showing, we'll have a Question and Answer session about anxiety and teens with Dr. Laura Kastner, Ph.D., a clinical professor in the department of psychology and the department of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at U.W. There is no cost to attend this event thanks to funding from the PTSA. For more information about the movie and Dr. Kastner, please click here.
MATH GAME THEORY CLUB AVAILABLE TO STUDENTS DURING LUNCH ON MONDAYS

Regen Lorden is hosting a Game Theory Math Club on Mondays,  during Lunch, in room 109. See the attached flyer for additional details.

All ages are welcome! This activity works best with more people! 



INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL NEIGHBORS 
Parents, we continue to appreciate your continued patience and courteousness towards our neighbors with whom we share our streets. Please follow all rules of the road and respect their property. If you are picking up your students off campus please have a conversation about walking safely through the neighborhood and watching for cars. If you are parking off campus and waiting for your students please do not block mailboxes, garbage cans or driveways. Thank you very much!


MATH RESOURCES AVAILABLE TO STUDENTS

Do you know about the resources available for your students with a focus on Math? Check-out the following links for more information:
..........................................................................................................................................................


Research & Writing Toolkit:  

KCLS Free Tutoring: 

Student News & Opportunities
YEARBOOK PHOTOS NEEDED - CALL FOR CANDID PHOTOS OF STUDENTS

Are your kids star soccer players? Do you have the best family photos? Did you have the best summer vacation?

Please send summer, sports or sibling photos to   [email protected] to get your kids featured in the yearbook! Please include the names and grades of your kids too!"

TITAN TIMES STUDENT NEWS NOW AVAILABLE TO PARENTS

Hello Parents! Did you know it's Badminton and Flag Football Season for Middle School Students? Did you know that the Green Team is helping to reduce trash? Here's another way to stay connected with what's happening in the school. The Titan Times contains school news and updates and broadcasts over the PA System every day at 8:15 am. The link is updated around 3:00 pm for the next day. 
Community Events & Advocacy News
FREE PARENT EDUCATION TALK ON SEXTING AT ODLE, 1/25 AT 6:30 PM
Thursday, January 25th, 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Odle Middle School Commons

Topic: Sexting and Social Media - What You and Your Student Need to Know About Potential Legal and Life Consequences.

Did You Know:
* 1 in 5 teens under the age of 18 admitted to sending or posting nude or semi-nude photos of themselves?

* Under Washington State law, individuals (including minors) who distribute, produce or possess a sexually explicit image of a minor could be charged with a felony under the state's child pornography statute?

* 35% of college admissions officers reported having looked at applicants' social media accounts to learn more about them? (survey of more than 350 college admissions officers at the country's top regional, national, and liberal arts colleges).

For: All BSD Parents and Students welcome!
(* Geared towards families with middle school and high school students)

Learn: Current trends and advice from a panel of experts:
* Samaneh Alizadeh, King County Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, to provide an overview of WA State law on sexting, notable WA cases, and what might trigger a prosecution.
* Jeff Borsheim, Bellevue PD/Bellevue HS Student Resource Officer to give insight into trends in the school district and how they are handled
* Russell White, Chinook Middle School's Principal, and Kathy Myers, Assistant Principal, to discuss District policies and educational initiatives on sexting and social media.
* Leslie Lizotte, Odle Middle School Research Technology Specialist, with tips on cultivating students' online presence for college and career readiness.
Organizers:
* Odle I-Connect: Sujin Lee, Wady Milner, Tricia Yong ([email protected])
* Chinook I-Connect: Nancy Huenefeld Gese, Mary Kim, Sandi Plenge, Julie Seltz, Asako Yoshimura ([email protected])
ADVOCACY

 
The ISPTSA Board has voted to support the on the ballot February 13. 
Please take the time to vote for the success of Bellevue schools.

WHAT'S HAPPENING AT THE 2018 LEGISLATIVE SESSION 

Week 1 of the Legislative Session was fast and furious!  WSPTA members testified 4 times, and one of our top 5 Legislative Priorities, Breakfast After the Bell, was approved by the full House.

Keep up with bills and committee hearings related to WSPTA member-generated Legislative Priorities and long-term positions - see the attached report for week 2.

Student Sports & Opportunities
BHS BOYS SOCCER TRYOUT REGISTRATION NOW OPEN
BHS Boys Soccer tryout registration is now open.  Tryouts start on Monday February 26th, the first day after the mid-winter break.  More information can be found on the Bellevue High School Athletics website: http://www.bsd405.org/bhs/wolverines/athletics/
 
You need to do the following before the first day of tryouts February 26, 2018 (and thus BEFORE the mid-winter break):
 
  1. Complete your ONLINE SPORTS REGISTRATION HERE  
    1.  IMPACT TESTING is required every two years for all players  Please sign up at familyid.com and bring the student laptop.   NO WALK-INS. Parents do not need to stay, and testing takes about 45 minutes.
  2. A PHYSICAL EXAM FORM must be completed by the player's physician and turned in to the BHS Athletics Office.  Forms are available on the BHS athletic website link or HERE. Physicals are good for two years. 
  3. Complete the CONTACT FORMBHS Boys Soccer 2018 Contact Sheet which helps the coaches know who is at tryouts and how to reach players for important team communications.  The contact sheet will automatically populate a database.  You do not need to print this.  
KING COUNTY SPORTS RESULTS

Check King County Sports results here.
Messenger Submissions
MONDAY MESSENGER SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
  • Please submit your information by FRIDAY at 12:00 (noon)  to  [email protected].
  • We encourage submissions that align with our mission. Click here for the PTSA mission statement.
  • Submissions are subject to a review by the IS PTSA and may be accepted, rejected or edited.
  • Please use a separate email for each article submitted.
  • Subject line should include the Section Header where you want your information and the title: Here's a list of sections:  
    • PTSA News
    • School News
    • Student News & Opportunities
    • Help Wanted
    • Sports News & Opportunities
    • Summer Camps & Opportunities
  • Plain text is preferred, although you are welcome to send along an image or icon to include.
  • Need to link to a registration form?  Send us the link to include or a pdf copy.
  • For the "Help Wanted" session, feel free to also contact the IS PTSA to ask for support.
  • Note: you will receive an automatic confirmation response when submitting.

Visit our website keep informed about what is going with ISPTSA including meetings, programs and community events and activities. We hope it will be your home for joining the ISPTSA, volunteering, signing up for the Messenger weekly newsletter and keeping current on what is happening at the school.  
In This Issue
Color Key
Content titles are colored coded for easy navigation:

GREEN New Content
RED : Changes to Content
BLACK: Repeat Content
Contact Us:
President
                 President-Elect                  Ching Guo       
                     VP - Community                            Li Wu                                    Sylvia Abrahamsson
VP - Communications
Treasurer 1
Treasurer 2
Secretary
Membership
  Advocacy
  Monday Messenger 
Website
IS Staff Liasons
PTSA
Website: www.isptsa.org
Newsletter Submissions:  [email protected]
 
School Directory and Links
ATTENDANCE                 425-456-6545
MAIN OFFICE                  425-456-6500 
COUNSELING                 425-456-6542 
REGISTRAR                    425-456-6535 

Supporting PTSA 

Donate at any time. Write your check to the International School PTSA and send it ISPTSA at 445 128th Ave. SE, Bellevue, WA 98005


 

Or even easier - Donate via PayPal!

  

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International School Store
Show your school spirit! Shop for sweatshirts, t-shirts, duffel bags and more! Visit the International School Fieldhouse store. Proceeds benefit the International School ASB
  
Shop for the Bellevue Schools Foundation

Enter Amazon.com through this link and Amazon will donate 8% of every purchase you make to support Bellevue students, including those at IS! Share the link and spread the word to family and friends anywhere.