October 31, 2016
Upcoming Events and Deadlines
11/4 
Poinsettias Order Forms Due
11/4
DC Focus Week Deposits Due
11/4 6:30 - 8:30 PM Bellevue Schools Skating Party
11/4 - 11/5 7:00 PM
2 PM & 7 PM
The Tempest
11/7 & 11/9 3:30 - 6:30 PM
2:00 - 5:00 PM
Parent Teacher Conferences
11/8 7:00 PM PTSA Board Meeting
11/10
No School - Professional Development Day
11/11
No School - Veteran's Day
11/14
Reflections Program Deadline
11/15 7:00 PM PTSA General Membership Meeting
11/24 &
11/25

No School - Thanksgiving
PTSA                   
The online directory for International School has been launched using the DirectorySpot app.  You should have received your invitation email last week.  If not, please look in your junk email for an email with @directoryspot.net email extension.   We have had good feedback from this launch and we are very excited to offer such a convenient directory to our International parents.  In the next couple of weeks, you may receive and email asking if you have logged on.  We are committed to getting everyone connected.  This directory is offered free to all parents and teachers and staff at International school by your IS PTSA.  Please support your PTSA and become a member.
 
If you have trouble resetting your password or need an invite sent to you or would like to offer constructive feedback.  Please email  Leonardo Barros Barreto.
New Computer Club at IS: Help Wanted

The IPTSA Board has approved supporting a computer club at International School, and we are looking for parents to help lead the effort.   If you have professional experience in computer science, and being part of a team to start this after school club, please contact IPTSA Chair David Doud at  [email protected] .
2-day WA State PTA  Legislative Assembly 

Three IS parents attended the 2-day WA State PTA Legislative Assembly last week in Olympia . We went to Issue Caucuses to learn about the many issues facing education in our state and then had voted on the most pressing to support. The top five legislative priorities that the nearly 200 delegates voted for WA State PTA to support this year are (in order of priority):

1. Social Emotional Learning
2. Amplify Basic Education Funding
3. Closing the Opportunity Gap
4. Standards for Para-educators
5. Breakfast After the Bell

This promises to be an important legislative season with the various bills and election races on the ballot. We can all be advocates for our children - please educate yourself and VOTE by November 8th.

Questions or feedback? Contact our IS Advocacy Chair Janice Zahn.  For more information about the Washington State PTA click here.

Pictured above: Caroline Watson, Barbara Martin (WAptsa president), Janice Zahn and Meribeth Nordloef-Pedersen

Did you know that Bellevue has a special needs PTA that advocates for parents and students across all Bellevue schools?  The Bellevue Special Needs PTA publishes a monthly newsletter and by clicking on this link and you can see their home page and sign up to receive future newsletters.  The Bellevue Special Needs PTA meets monthly and dues are $10. 


The ISPTSA will be showing the documentary Screenagers later this Fall for our parent community and during some classes to students. Stay tuned for more details.
The ISPTSA Needs You!

Please consider volunteering for one of these crucial positions to help continue to make our PTSA a strong organization that works toward the goals of serving our International School students, staff and community:
 
VP Fundraising
Responsible for working with volunteers to organize and manage the Fall and Spring Fundraising campaigns to meet budget revenue goals.


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.  
Please take a moment to:
1) Create an ISPTSA account or update your current information. We will be using this for directory information. We will also have an online directory which will be available to ISPTSA members.
2) Join the ISPTSA, just click on the link that says Join.
3) Sign up for the Monday Messenger weekly e-newsletter, this is the best way to get the most current information on what is happening at school.
4) Volunteer - There are lots of ways to volunteer, both from home and at school. Parent involvement in creating and staffing programs such as Reflections, Staff Appreciation, Grade level representatives, awarding grants and editing the website is what makes IS unique.
5) Donate - Your donations to the PTSA allows us to invest, approximately $100,000 a year toward the school's mission of academic excellence through a broad spectrum of curriculum extension grants, programs, clubs, and community building.
  
School News                 
Parking Lot Update

The numbers have been painted on the staff spots in front of the school. Parents, please do not park in these spaces even for a short time. We have staff that commute from different schools with a short time to get here. When there spot is filled they have to figure out something else. We have 11 visitor's spots that are marked. Please use only those or find a legal spot in the neighborhood. Driving and parking behind the school is not an option for parents. Thank you for being considerate of our staff and their parking spots.
Poinsettias for Sale - Last Week to Order!

Would you like a beautiful, easy gift for family, co-workers, friends and teachers this holiday season?  Or one-stop shopping for your holiday decor?  If so, the IS Senior Class of 2017 has got you covered!  We are  continuing the tradition of the popular Poinsettia Fundraiser! (Funds raised are earmarked for the Senior Class' graduation events.)  These high quality Squak Mountain flowers are available in red, white, or pink.  

They  come in 6.5" pots,  and stand about 14-16" tall.  They are priced at $17 each, of course!  The form is attached, with more located in the office right next to our Poinsettia Box. 

Deadline for orders: Friday, Nov. 4th, 2016
 
Plants will be available to be picked up at school Monday, Nov. 28th from 3-5 pm 

Please make checks payable to IS class of 2017 and note "Poinsettia" on memo line.  You can send the check to the address on the order form or drop by the IS office and drop the check into the Poinsettia Box.  If you prefer to support the class with a cash donation in lieu of receiving plants, your donations are welcome. The IS Class of 2017 THANKS YOU for your support!  Any questions, e-mail Kelly Skaran .
Washington DC Trip for Focus Week

Registration is open for the Washington D.C. Trip for Focus Week in the spring. Dates are April 1st - 8th and applications are registration fee are due by Nov. 4th. The Washington D.C. trip is only available to 7th and 8th graders and is only offered every other year, so if your child is interested in a fun adventure in our nation's capitol, sign up today! 

Please contact Mrs. Zee or Mrs. Godley with any questions. Students can pick up applications from Mrs. Zee in Room 105.


It's THIS weekend! Titan Players are excited to present, William Shakespeare's "Tempest".

Dates and times for this performance are:

* Friday, November 4th at 7pm
* Saturday, November 5th at 2pm and 7pm

We would love to see the I.S. community come out and support our drama program!
IS 2016 Parent / Teacher Conferences

Mon. 11/7 & Wed. 11/9
In the I.S. Commons and Library
 
The goal of Parent / Teacher Conferences  is to briefly discuss how your student can make sure they are fulfilling their potential, not a place to solve major issues. To discuss major issues please email the teacher directly to make an appointment with them for a different day and time.

Each teacher conference will be limited to 5 minutes per teacher. If you desire a longer conference or cannot come to conferences, email your student's teachers directly to make an appointment with them for a different day and time.

Conference times are apportioned at approximately 58 students per conference period. If you are unable to attend on your assigned day please try to trade with another family to keep the numbers balanced per session.

Time is short; please prioritize which teachers you really need to see based on where your child may be facing challenges. You do not need to see each teacher.

Student participation and attendance at the conference is highly encouraged.

Prior to your appointment, please PRINT STUDENT REPORTS AT HOME from the online grade reporting system.   Printed reports will not be available at school.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THERE WILL NO BE TUTORIAL ON MONDAY, NOV. 7TH.  THE LIBRARY WILL CLOSE RIGHT AFTER SCHOOL ON BOTH CONFERENCE DAYS SO STUDENTS WILL NOT HAVE THAT OPTION.  BUSSES WILL BE NOT BE COMING EARLY BUT WILL COME AS SCHEDULED. 
 
Conference Schedule Mon. Nov. 7th
Time                     Student's Last Names
3:30 pm                Abrahamsson-Cable
4:05 pm                Carnrite-Decicco
4:40 pm                Densmore-Ginn
5:15 pm                Go-Johnson
5:50 pm                Jones-Liu
Conferencing ends promptly at 6:30 pm on Monday Nov. 7th!
  
Conference Schedule Wed. Nov. 9th
Time                        Student's Last Names
2:00 pm                   Loforte-Ngu
2:35 pm                   Nguyen-Seaton
3:10 pm                   Selvakumar-Stojanovic
3:45 pm                   Stone-Ven
4:20 pm                   Vijaya Suresh Prabu-Zhu
Conferencing ends promptly at 5:00 pm on Wednesday, Nov. 9th!
6th Grade Staff Appreciation: Mon 11/7

On Monday, November 7th, families of the 6th Grade Class of 2023 will be providing delicious finger foods to teachers and staff as they meet with parents during Conferences.   The theme for the event will be "International Appetizers," and we welcome all your home and store-bought favorites!  Please make them easy to transport and eat.
 
Below is a link to a list of the foods, items, and help needed. We would really appreciate it if you could sign up for something. Your help is much needed in showing our staff how much they are appreciated!
 
Sign up here.

Please have your contributions delivered to the Staff Room (located inside the left door on the back wall of the Commons) on Monday, November 7 th  (anytime if non-perishable, after pick-up if perishable). Please bring food in or on disposable containers or plates.  The event will happen from 3:30 pm-6:00 pm. Setup will happen from 2:45 pm-3:15 pm and cleanup from 6:00 pm.
 
Thank you for your support! The staff truly appreciates these events, so let's show them how much they're appreciated them by treating them to something extra special!
 
If you have any questions at all, please contact Michelle Surkan, Li Wu, or Cathy Shen.

8th Grade Staff Appreciation: Wed 11/9

On Wednesday, November 9th, families of the 8th Grade Class of 2021 will be providing delicious finger foods to our wonderful staff as they meet with parents during Conferences.  The theme for the event will be "International Quick and Easy Bites" and we welcome your home and store-bought favorites!  Please make them easy to transport and eat. Food should not need to be heated or chilled because the event lasts over 4 hours.
 
Below is a link to a list of the foods, items, and help needed.  We would truly appreciate it if you could sign up for something. Your help is much needed in showing our staff how much they're appreciated!
 
Sign up here
 
Please have your contributions delivered to the Staff Room (located inside the left door on the back wall of the Commons) on Wednesday, November 9th (anytime if non-perishable, after pick-up if perishable). Please bring food in or on disposable containers or plates. The event will happen from 2:00 pm-5:00pm. Setup will happen from 1:15 pm-1:45 pm and cleanup from 5:00 pm.
 
Thank you so much for your support!  The staff truly appreciates these events, so let's show them how much they're appreciated  by treating them to something extra special!
 
If you have any questions at all, please contact Michelle Surkan or Gabriella Wyle.
IS Library New Facelift!


Please visit our library homepage to view its new look! This new layout will help our patrons to navigate more easily throughout the library website.

Don't forget to check out our latest library additions as well as many technology and research tips from Tara Jones in our Library Newsletter.


 
2 Weeks Left! Submissions now accepted at front office. Forms are available at the Reflections Display in commons.

Middle School and High School Students, it's time for the PTA's annual Reflections Program. Entries are judged on creative ability and interpretation of the theme. The Reflections Program is structured for PTAs to recognize students at the local, council, state, and national levels. Entries are first judged at the local level and selected works are chosen to represent the PTA at each subsequent level.

This year's theme is: "What Is Your Story". Only original works of art are accepted. The six areas are: Literature, Music Composition, Photography, Visual Arts, Film/Video, and Choreography/Dance. All entries with an attached student entry form are due to the school office by: November 14th, Monday.
 
For student entry form, click here.
For rules/guidelines, click here.
For more information, please email Reflection chair Josephine Anderson  or call 425-753-3134 . 
Thank You! We look forward to seeing those submissions!
French Exchange
 
We are looking forward to welcoming the French exchange students to our International community November 30 - December 15. We are still in need of two families to host boys for the duration of their stay. It's a wonderful cultural and personal opportunity for the whole family. If you are interested in hosting a French student or if you would like more information, please contact Joe Kheriaty at your earliest convenience. Hosts are not obligated to go to France in the spring, but there is space for a few more participants. Merci!
Have an Extra Refrigerator?

The Science Department is in urgent need of a full size refrigerator to store materials for experiments and labs as the current one has failed. Please contact Lee Holt by emailing [email protected] if you have a refrigerator to donate.
Spots Left: Titan Robostics FIRST Lego League

We have a few spots left in Titan Robotics FIRST Lego League program for middle school students grades 6-8th grade. They are meeting on Wednesday from 4-6pm. If you are interested please email Amy McIvor for registration information. We have limited space left. The program runs through the beginning of December unless we qualify for state and then it runs through January. The program is $120 and scholarships are available based on need. 
 
Titan Robotics Club competes at Girls Generation at Tahoma High School
Titan Robotics Club FRC team will be competing at Tahoma High School's Girl Generation Competition October 22 from 8:30am until 5pm. Come support our all Girl's team compete in last year's Stronghold competition. 
Sports News & Opportunities                   
High School Athletic Opportunities
 
Does your child want to get involved in High School Athletics? 
Of course they do!

Find all registration information on the District Athletic Page:
2016 Youth Bellevue Wolverines 
Girls Lacrosse Fall Ball

Grades 3-8
All ability levels welcome! 

Held Sunday afternoons 10/9, 16, 23, 30 and 11/6 at Chinook West.  
Cost $50

Great opportunity for those new to lacrosse and want to learn the game. Also for those interested in keeping their stick skills sharp during the fall season.
 
2016 Youth Bellevue Wolverines 
Girls Lacrosse Fall Ball

To learn more go to  www.bellevuegirlslax.com
Newport High School Gymnastics Team 

Interested in trying out for the Newport High School gymnastics team? The seniors are holding 4 optional pre-season conditioning sessions from 3:40-4:30 on 10/25, 10/27, 11/1 & 11/3. Meet in the girl's locker room @ Newport! Questions? Contact Mrs. Baker:[email protected]. Tryouts are November 7-9th from 6:15-9:00 p.m. in the Outside Gym at Newport HS. Register online now and complete your IMPACT testing! Beginners welcome!
Ski and Board Saturdays & Support Our PTSA
Join the Saturday Bellevue Ski School Program. Give your student a full day of skiing. All levels welcome - 2nd through 12th grade . Transportation provided by BSD and Coaches. 

Discount pricing until Nov. 30th. 5% of every enrollment goes to the IS PTSA. What a great way to fund extra school activities. Bellevue Ski School has been p artnering with Bellevue School District since 1958. 

For information and to register, Click Here.  Registration officially closes Thurs. 12/15.
Miscellaneous News & Opportunities                   

Washington Aerospace Scholars (WAS) is seeking high school juniors who wish to kickstart their STEM careers and earn college credit!

In WAS, students earn college credit by completing online curriculum that focuses on space travel. By completing the online program, students may earn acceptance into a week-long Summer Residency at The Museum of Flight where they will work with professional mentors to plan a mission to Mars, tour engineering facilities, and compete in hands-on engineering challenges. Teachers are also encouraged to apply as evaluators and summer residency facilitators.

Applications for the 2016-17 session of WAS are available HERE and are due by November 4, 2016.

Click HERE to learn more.

For questions, contact:  
  
Paz Clearwater | Education Specialist | The Museum of Flight 
206-764-5876 | [email protected]
Messenger Submissions                
Messenger Submissions

Want to submit information to publish in the Messenger? Please submit your information by FRIDAY.  (Submissions are subject to PTA approval).   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. Note: you will no longer receive an automatic confirmation response when submitting.

 

Questions or submissions should go to [email protected]
  
In This Issue
School Directory and Links
ATTENDANCE                425-456-6545
MAIN OFFICE                  425-456-6500 
COUNSELING                 425-456-6542 
REGISTRAR                    425-456-6535 

Supporting PTSA 


 

You can donate at any time by simply writing your check to the International School PTSA and sending it to school: 445 128th Ave. SE, Bellevue, WA 98005

Or even easier - just donate via PayPal!


 

Will your employer match your IS contributions?

 

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.


  
Contact Us:

President: David Doud
E-Mail: [email protected]

President-Elect: Meribeth Nordloef-Pedersen
E-Mail: [email protected]
 
VP -  Outreach:  Carolyn Watson  and Allison Stirret 

VP - Community: Liying Tan and Shannon Dong
E-Mail: [email protected]

VP - Fundraising: 
E-Mail: [email protected]
    
VP - Communications: Leo de Barros Barreto
 
Treasurer One: Marjorie Blanco
E-Mail:  [email protected]

Treasurer Two: Michelle Lee
E-Mail:  [email protected]

Secretary: Amy Frei
E-Mail: [email protected]
  
Membership: Sylvia Abrahamsson
E-Mail: [email protected]
 
Advocacy: Janice Zahn
E-Mail: [email protected] 
 
Monday Messenger: Stephanie Winkler-Hadley
E-Mail: [email protected]

PTSA Website: www.isptsa.org

Newsletter Submissions:  [email protected]
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.