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UPCOMING DATES AND EVENTS
THIS WEEK:
  • Monday, 5/13–Friday, 5/17 • AP Testing Week 2 (more info below)
  • Tuesday, 5/14, 7:00 PM • ISPTSA Board Meeting

NEXT WEEK:
  • Monday, 5/20–Friday, 5/24 • Focus Week

LOOKING AHEAD:
  • Monday, 5/27 • No School—Memorial Day
  • Thursday, 5/30 • Incoming 6th Grade Barbecue
  • Saturday, 6/1 • Prom
  • Tuesday, 6/4, 7:00 PM • Middle School Band Concert
  • Wednesday, 6/5, 7:00 PM • Orchestra Concert
  • Thursday, 6/6, 7:00 PM • High School Band Concert
  • Friday, 6/7, 7:00 PM • Moving Up Dance
  • Monday, 6/10, 7:00 PM • High School Choir Concert
  • Tuesday, 6/11, 7:00 PM • Middle School Choir Concert
  • Wednesday, 6/12 • Senior Board Day (more info below)
  • Thursday, 6/13 • Déjeuner en Blanc (more info below)
  • Thursday, 6/13, 6:30 PM • Senior Project Open House
  • Monday, 6/17, 7:30 PM • Graduation
  • Friday 6/21 • Last Day of 2018-2019 School Year
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
TAKE A LOOK TO SEE HOW YOU CAN HELP OUR SCHOOL

IS and the ISPTSA are currently seeking the following volunteers:

  • Middle School College/Career Field Trip Chaperones—6/12
  • Senior Board Day Judges—6/12
  • 2019 Grad Night Celebration Chaperones—6/17–6/18
  • Session Leaders for High School Retreat—9/5
  • Chaperones for High School Retreat—9/5–9/6
  • ISPTSA Board Positions—next school year 2019–2020
  • Host a French Intern—next school year 2019–2020
  • On-call Volunteers

Click here to learn more and sign up.
PTSA NEWS
MONDAY MESSENGER RECEIVES GOLD AWARD OF EXCELLENCE FROM WSPTA
 
The ISPTSA's Monday Messenger (yes, this very Monday Messenger that you're reading right now!) was awarded Gold for Outstanding E-blast 2018–19 by the Washington State PTA at their annual convention on April 26-28.
We were the only Bellevue PTSA recognized in this category (Bronze, Silver, or Gold) as well as the the only high school PTSA. After receiving the Silver award for 2017–18 Outstanding E-blast last year, it was an honor to be recognized for our continued efforts.  Thank you to the International School community for providing us with content and readership every single week!
VAPING: RISKS, ADDICTION, AND TALKING WITH YOUR STUDENT

If you missed the presentation at IS, there are three more sessions coming up.

  • Thursday, May 23, 6:30–8:00 PM, Bellevue High School Library
  • Wednesday, May 29, 6:00–7:30 PM, Interlake High School Library
  • Tuesday, June 4, 8:00–9:30 AM, Educational Services Center, Room 200

These events are sponsored by the Bellevue PTSA Council in partnership with the Bellevue School District. For more information and to register, click here .
SCHOOL NEWS
AP TESTING

One week down, one to go! This week our students will take:
  • Bio (WISC-Rainier)
  • Calculus AB (IS-library)
  • Calculus BC (moved to ESC room 200)
  • English Language (WISC-Rainier
  • World History (IS-library + 101)
  • Computer Science A (IS-library)

Some students self-studied and will take exams at other BSD locations for classes IS doesn’t offer. Locations might vary for students with accommodations. Students are responsible for their own transportation and must report at 7:30 AM for morning tests and 12:30 PM for afternoon tests.
HELLO, PARENTS AND FAMILIES OF 8TH GRADERS!

 If your 8th grader is interested in playing sports in 9th grade, remember to attend your home high school's Athletics Program Information Night. Many sports have tryouts in mid-August and require completion of a sports physical and ImPACT Testing. Registration and academic requirements can be found on the BSD website here, or you can take another look at this document that was sent out by Arty back in February.

Interlake High School —Monday, May 13 (tonight ), 7:00 PM, IHS Commons
Bellevue High School —Tuesday, May 21, 6:30 PM, BHS Commons
Newport High School —Thursday, May 30, 7:00 PM, NHS Main Gym
Sammamish High School —Thursday, May 30, 7:00 PM, SHS Main Gym
FROM THE IS STAFF:

A huge thank you to the PTSA for a wonderful week of pampering. From all the wonderful goodies and snacks to the espresso bar and boxes of chocolates. We are feeling much love and appreciation! We are honored to work with you in teaching and working with your children. 
Thank you once again! 
The IS Staff
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL RANKED #20 IN U.S. NEWS BEST HIGH SCHOOLS RANKINGS

International was ranked #1 in Washington State and #20 in the nation on the 2019 U.S. News Best High Schools rankings. The rankings include data on more than 23,000 public high schools in 50 states and the District of Columbia. More than 17,000 schools were ranked on six factors based on their performance on state assessments and how well they prepare students for college. Click here to see the full list.
DÉJEUNER EN BLANC IS BACK!

We are proud to announce the second edition of IS’s newest tradition: Déjeuner en Blanc Qu’est-ce que c’est ? A picnic lunch and field day inspired by the French celebration  Le Dîner en Blanc . 
 
What is happening that day?
On Thursday, June 13, there will be a modified class schedule. At lunchtime, all students and staff will convene on the lower field for a picnic lunch with friends. The cafeteria will be selling grab-and-go lunches which will include baguette sandwiches. After eating lunch, students will be free to play and engage in student/teacher-run activities on both fields. The festivities and the school day will end at 3:15 PM, as usual.
 
To truly embrace the day, students are encouraged to:
  • organize their picnic lunches between friends,
  • wear as much white as possible,
  • bring white tablecloths/blankets to sit on (tablecloths with a plastic lining are best, in case the field is wet),
  • have fun!
 
Parents interested in donating or lending white “picnic blankets” or white decorations should contact Traci Sullivan at  [email protected].
 
Bon appétit !
SEEKING SESSION LEADERS:
2019 HIGH SCHOOL RETREAT!
 
September 5, 2019
 
This fall we are exploring forms of Asian cultural expression and examining challenges facing Asian societies.
 
Do you have ideas, expertise, and a willingness to work with our high school students for one day? Do you know of exceptional experts who might be willing to lead a session? 

Session leaders will lead a session with a classroom teacher who will assist in organizing and managing students and materials, as well as provide any other support that the session leader might need. Note: the retreat is two days, but sessions are only offered on the first day.
 
We welcome community support for this unique experience. Past sessions have covered topics such as the tea ceremony, Sumi painting, calligraphy, tai chi, yoga, Indonesian percussion,  Shanghai is Sinking , The River Ganges— what ideas do you have?
 
Contact Lee Holt or Tamara Truax
SEEKING JUDGES FOR SENIOR BOARD DAY

Hi IS Families.
 
We are currently in the process of recruiting judges for  International School's  SENIOR PROJECT BOARD DAY,  Wednesday, June 12,  and we’d love to have you join the 150+ community members (most are not IS parents) who participate on a three-judge panel to evaluate this graduation requirement of our awesome IS Seniors. You are eligible if you are not the parent of a Senior and if you do not know any of the seniors . We need all kinds of backgrounds and we match your background/interests to projects for an authentic evaluation process for our students. Read on for more.
 
Some background: The International School in Bellevue requires seniors to complete a Senior Project involving research, internships, independent study, and a culminating event. One of its truly distinguishing characteristics is  Senior Project Board Day, when each of our seniors presents their portfolio and a speech to a panel of three neutral, expert adult judges. Each judge has a level of experience or expertise in at least one area of a student’s project, and together the panel critically reviews the work.  Check out our website for more info .
 
Everyone who participates finds it to be very rewarding, and many, many of the 150+ judges we need each year look forward to returning year after year. Not only is time helping launch young people inspiring, but joining fellow community members in support of these seniors is as well. We hope you will consider joining us this year! Read on for more details.
 
Format and time commitment:  On Wednesday, June 12, you will spend either 2-½ or 4-½ hours with us in Bellevue, depending on whether you volunteer for one or two sessions. The time window for Session A is approximately 12:00–2:45 PM, including lunch, and the time window for Session B is 2:00–4:30 PM. Your time will include lunch or a snack, judge training, 40 minutes of time to review student portfolios with the other judges, a 10-minute speech by your student, Q & A, and finally, 25 minutes for the judge panel to complete scoring and evaluations after the student departs.
 
Interested?  NEXT STEPS: 
  1. Mark Wednesday, June 12, 12:00–2:45 PM and/or 2:00–4:30 PM on your calendar.
  2. Click HERE to review the project list and indicate your interest/suitability. (Don’t forget to “SUBMIT” at the end of the survey.)
  3. Feel free to email with any further questions.
  4. Add [email protected] to your contacts, so we don't go into your trash folder.
  5. Look for an email from us in late May with your assignment(s). We'll send info regarding the student(s), project(s), and session(s) you are assigned to, along with background material for your assigned project(s) and logistics for the day.
 
Thank you so much for your consideration and for honoring the efforts of our dedicated students! Email or phone us with any questions.
 
With Gratitude,
 
Sally Fouché
International School Senior Project Board Coordinator
425.444.6030
SAVE THE DATE: MIDDLE SCHOOL COLLEGE/CAREER FIELD TRIP WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12—CHAPERONES NEEDED

Parents/Guardians: Please save the date for our Middle School College/Career Field Trip on Wednesday, June 12! Our middle school students will have the option of going to one of six planned field trips and learn about different careers/colleges, depending on the trip they choose.

We will need a LOT of chaperones/parent volunteers in order to make this happen. So, please save the date for Wednesday June 12, and email Arty Christianto if you are interested in chaperoning. We need you!

More information will be sent later to both parents/guardians and students.
ATTENTION STUDENTS IN GRADES 8-11:
2019 HIGH SCHOOL RETREAT!

September 5-6, 2019

The International School offers an annual retreat for our high school students in order to build community and realize its mission of providing students with a globally focused education. The academic content of the retreat follows a four-year cycle of geographic and cultural regions including Africa, Latin America, Asia, and the Middle East.

The 2019 retreat’s objectives are for students to explore a few forms of Asian cultural expression; to understand some of the challenges facing Asian societies and the power we and the world community have to address them; and to appreciate the value of the IS community and its contribution to our overall success for the coming school year.

The students will come to school the morning of Thursday, September 5, and will be bused to Warm Beach Conference Center in Stanwood, WA. They will spend the night there and return by bus the following day, Friday, September 6, by 3:15 PM.

The cost is $100. After focus week, the fee for camp will be added to your student's account online, so you may pay online or in the school office.

Please see the following links:
2019 HS Retreat Flyer  (Information about the retreat)
2019 HS Retreat Forms  (Permission slips)

THE DUE DATE FOR FORMS IS EARLY THIS YEAR—FRIDAY, JUNE 7.  
PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU TAKE CARE OF THIS! 
YOU CAN EVEN DO IT TODAY!
HIGH SCHOOL RETREAT CHAPERONE VOLUNTEERS NEEDED—JOIN US!

The trip is only possible with your support! We need 12 males and 12 females. Chaperones attend free of charge. Please let Tamara Truax  [email protected] or Lee Holt [email protected]  know if you are available.
GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR IS EXPERIENCE: HOST A FRENCH INTERN!

Our students have benefited tremendously from the dedication of this year’s French intern, Elodie Perez. While we will be sad to see her go, we have hired an absolutely charming French intern for the 2019-2020 school year, Pauline Oliveira-Machado. Pauline will surely uphold the standard of professionalism and congeniality that we have come to expect from our interns. She plans to eventually pursue a teaching degree in France and is extremely excited to be a part of our fabulous IS community. She is particularly interested in teaching the traditional songs, dance, and cuisine of France, and will be given every opportunity to do so next year.

As part of the IS community yourself, you have the unique opportunity to host Pauline for a semester or a quarter. By opening your home, you will create an unforgettable experience for Pauline by allowing her to see the best that American culture has to offer. The Intern program also allows you to support IS by helping to maintain a rich, engaging foreign language program. By volunteering your home, you are making it possible for the whole student body to benefit from having a foreign language intern. Finally, hosting an intern allows you to learn about yourself and your culture and see the US through the eyes of an international visitor, creating an invaluable educational experience for yourself and your family. 

To seize this opportunity, or for more information, please contact Traci Sullivan at [email protected]This is a great experience—PROFITEZ-EN!
STUDENT NEWS & COMMUNITY EVENTS
SUPPORT THE SAMMAMISH BOYS SOCCER FLAPJACK FUNDRAISER

Come enjoy a complete flapjack breakfast, served to you by the Sammamish Boys Soccer Team—on which several International students play!
 
Where: Applebee’s in Factoria
When: Saturday, May 18, from 9:00–11:00 AM
Cost: $10/person at the door
 
Breakfast includes pancakes, eggs, bacon or sausage, and a beverage. There will also be a bake sale with sweet treats, so come hungry!
 
Email Marrene Franich if you have any questions.
BELLEVUE GIFTED ALLIANCE SPRING EVENT

June 3, 6:30-8:00 PM
Rainier Room, Wilburton Instructional Service Center, 12241 Main Street

Aisha Simon of Axiom Learning will be giving a seminar entitled “Secrets to Success in the Gifted Program” that will be geared toward elementary school families. Click here for more info.
PURCHASE TICKETS NOW TO TWO REMAINING "PREPARING FOR COLLEGE" WORKSHOPS

Bellevue PTSA Council, Bellevue Gifted Alliance, and Transcend Academy present a series of four exciting NEW workshops geared toward students in grades 8-11. Workshops will be led by Transcend Academy CEO Tina Tran Neville and BSD Counselors.
 
FREE to any BSD student with student ID card, $20 for BSD adults, $40 for out-of-district attendees.

 
I. Top 10 Things Colleges Look for in Admissions and How to Get There 
Monday, April 15 (date passed)

II. Rocking Standardized Tests
Monday, April 29 (date passed)

III. How to Write an Unforgettable Essay
  • Uncovering an Authentic Story for Each Student
  • Reflect on Events, Accomplishments, and Goals
  • Working with Friends and Family to Get Feedback
  • Using Words to Paint a Beautiful Story
Tuesday, May 14,  6:30–8:00 PM, Newport High School, Library, 4333 Factoria Blvd. S.E., Bellevue
 
IV. How to Find Your Passion
  • Life is a Journey. Appreciate the Journey
  • Who You Are Will Change Through High School and College
  • Craft a Personal Resume that Works for You
  • How Joining Activities Can Help You Find Your Passion
Tuesday, May 28, 6:30–8:00 PM, Wilburton Instructional Service Center, Rainier Room, 12241 Main St., Bellevue

Click  here  for more info.
STUDENT SPORTS & OPPORTUNITIES
DALE CARNEGIE TRAINING FOR YOUNG ADULTS

Is your student ready to discover skills that last a lifetime? Dale Carnegie for Young Adults is designed to prepare young people for the real world. It gives them the skills they need to reach their goals and live up to their full potential—at school, home, and work. The curriculum was developed with feedback from students. It consists of highly interactive sessions that include real-life scenarios and role-playing. College credits available, ask us how! Tuition: $650.00

This course focuses on five key areas that are critical for future success:
  • Building Self-confidence 
  • Enhancing Communication Skills                         
  • Interpersonal Skill Development 
  • Teamwork and Leadership Skills                        
  • Effective Attitude Management
 
Tuesday, June 25–Thursday, June 27, 9:00 AM–4:00 PM
Dale Carnegie Training
13555 Bel Red Rd, Suite 208, Bellevue, WA
425-453-8822
 
Click here to register.
WheelLab SUMMER CAMPS

Does your student want to learn how to maintain a bike in a fun, team-building environment? Check out WheelLab's week-long summer camps. Participants learn the skills needed to maintain and overhaul a bike they will get to keep.

Build-A-Bike Summer Camp
The Club Teen Center, Boys and Girls Club of Bellevue
Dates available: July 8-12 or August 19-23
Time: 11:00 AM–3:30 PM
Grades: 6th–8th 
To register, email Lance Latimer and receive a FREE bike, lock, and helmet upon completion! For more info, go to www.wheellab.org.
MASTHEAD / DIRECTORY / LINKS
President
Ching Guo  
Secretary
Zena Heywood
Treasurer 1
Beverly Ni
Treasurer 2
Nancy Chung
VP of Communications
Li Wu
VPs of Community
Liying Tan & Qiong Chen
VP of Fundraising
Dori Kelleran
VP of Outreach
Meribeth Nordloef-Pedersen
Membership
Sharon Chen
Advocacy
OPEN
Monday Messenger
Julie Molinari
Website
Sylvia Abrahamsson
IS Staff Liaison
Taylor Tillotson
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.
CONFUSED ABOUT SOMETHING?
The ISPTSA is always here to help answer your IS questions.

Email us here , and we'll help you find the answers you need.
SCHOOL DIRECTORY & LINKS
Attendance 425-456-6545
Main Office 425-456-6500 
MS Counseling 425-456-6546
HS Counseling 425-456-6542 
Registrar 425-456-6535 

SUPPORT YOUR PTSA
Donate Anytime

Write your check to the International School PTSA and send it to:
ISPTSA
445 128th Ave. SE
Bellevue, WA 98005
Or, even easier, donate
via PayPal .
ISPTSA TUMBLER
Support your school community and the environment by buying an ISPTSA Tumbler

 These great-looking 14-oz dual-wall insulated stainless-steel tumblers have a swivel lid with drink-thru opening and a plastic-ring seal to stave off spills. With the ISPTSA logo, it will keep your drink hot or cold while you look cool handling the morning commute or afternoon pickup, and your purchase will benefit the International School PTSA!

Visit the International School PTSA Store . Proceeds benefit the International School PTSA.

MONDAY MESSENGER
SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
  • Please submit articles by FRIDAY at 12:00 PM (noon) to [email protected].
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.