January 29, 2018

Upcoming Events and Deadlines
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!

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 Three volunteer opportunities available now-- Scholastic Book Fair, Campus Improvement (Curtains) Chair, and Campus Improvement Day Chair. 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.  
School News
BITE OF INTERNATIONAL 2018 NEEDS MORE BOOTH HOSTS!

SIGN UP NOW for your food booth! We have about 20 booths signed up so far, but we need at least 60 to be successful. PLEASE consider hosting a booth. Fill out this sign up sheet and drop it off at front office.

We also need a few parent volunteers to make this event successful. Please sign up here to help.

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. 
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].
A NOTE ON MORNING DROP-OFF AND PARKING
 
Thank you for ensuring the safety of all of our students and staff during our busy morning drop-off time. Please help us maintain a safe arrival period for all by helping us with the following:

  • Ensure that we keep the Metro & Safe Lane clear from car traffic at all times so that we may continue to honor our agreement with Metro Transit which allows us to maintain service to IS.
  • Due to such limited parking for staff and students, all students should be dropped-off from the Student Drop-Off & Pick-Up Only Lane.  Please refrain from using parking spaces in the morning in the Staff or Student Permitted Areas.  There are a limited number of visitor spots that are accessible from the Student Drop-Off and Pick-Up Only Lane.
Families have found that leaving just 10 minutes earlier can have a significant impact on how long they wait in line to drop-off.  Students can also help with traffic flow by ensuring they have all of the items they are bringing to school ready to go upon approach to the drop-off zone.  Thank you for your partnership!    
IS HOSTS FRENCH CONTEST: GRAND CONCOURS

We are hosting our annual French contest, the Grand Concours. Students have the opportunity to test their skills, get ranked nationally against peers in the Northwest, win prizes and overall build their confidence in their knowledge of the French language! Students pay $5 to Liz Vandenbergh e by  February 8th , the test will take place on  Wednesday  March 7th at 1:30 pm.  

Email Grace Caudillo at [email protected] if any questions arise.  
BOOK FAIR NEEDS VOLUNTEERS

PLEASE CLAIM YOUR LOST AND FOUND ITEMS IN THE OFFICE

IMPORTANT: NAVIANCE EMAIL BE 'IN THE KNOW'!
High school families, please update your student and parent email addresses in your student's Naviance account and add   [email protected] t o your contact list. Emails are often sent by IS staff through Naviance, and we are hearing that some parents who aren't receiving them have discovered them in their Junk folders.
IS PARENT EDUCATION ON VAPING A SUCCESS
Many thanks to Alex Iani of YES and the ISPTSA for information and refreshments at the 1/18/18 parent education event on addiction and vaping. For more information, visit http://www.bsd405.org/international/2018/01/parent-ed-addictionvaping/
BELLEVUE SCHOOL FOUNDATION SPONSORS COLLEGE CONFERENCE ON 2/8/2018
The College Conference is a great opportunity for high school families to listen to professionals about the ins and outs of preparing for college. Our presenters come from colleges and businesses from across the country and are available to answer your questions. We are pleased to offer a wide range of sessions that are sure to fit your needs.

Date & Time:
Feb. 8, 2018
5:45pm - 8:30pm
Newport
Students from Newport, Interlake & International 

Program:
Each night begins with a keynote speaker. After the keynote, families have three times slots to attend different breakout sessions. Please be aware that some sessions are not available during each time slot.
  • College Application Process 101
  • Large Public Universities in the State of Washington
  • Medium Sized Public Universities in the State of Washington
  • Canadian Colleges
  • Navigating the NCAA Eligibility Center
  • Admission Process at Very Selective Liberal Arts Colleges & Universities
  • Admission Process at Very Selective Puget Sound Liberal Arts Colleges
  • Fine Art, Tech, and Game Design Colleges
  • Community and Technical Colleges
  • Putting Yourself on Paper: Writing the College Essay
  • College Entrance Exams: Why? When? Which? How Do I Prepare?
  • The Scoop on Financial Aid
  • Paying for College Without Going Broke
  • Financial Aid - How it Works and How to Qualify
  • College Success for Students with Learning Differences
  • Finding the Right Fit
  • Starting the College Search: Where to Begin
  • Military Options in College Education
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
YOUTH EXCHANGE PROGRAM - ADOLESCO YOUTH EXCHANGE

Learn French in France, German in Germany or Spanish in Spain! Adolesco Youth Exchange will match your with a student about their own age for a unique two-way exchange to France, Germany or Spain as part of our flexible and affordable nonprofit language immersion and cultural exchange program for qualifying U.S. students ages 9-18. Families decide when to exchange and for how long (up to three months). 

Info meeting: Sat., Feb. 24, 2018, 2 - 4 PM at the Mercer Island Public Library (4400 88th Ave SE, Mercer Island, WA 98040) Conference Room, RSVP [email protected]. Find other upcoming informational events and sign up for more info. Applications are due by Thursday, March 15, 2018.
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 REGISTRATION NOW OPEN
Bellevue HS Boys Soccer tryout registration is now open. The three day tryout starts 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
 
Pre-tryout PLAYER MEETING on Monday February 12 at 3:45 at BHS in room 1114.
 
If you have any questions about athletics signups, please contact Tanja Jones in the BHS Athletics Office [email protected].
 
If wish to be a BHS boys soccer volunteer, please email [email protected].
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!

  

Donate 
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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.