PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
Hello Everyone,
It has been a truly wonderful year leading the IPSTSA. I would like to thank the members of our terrific board who worked hard and accomplished much to support the academic success of our students; Ching Guo, Amy Frei, Li Wu, Stephanie Winkler-Hadley, Sylvia Abrahamsson, Bev Ni, Michelle Lee, Janice Zahn, Joanie Chang, Betsy Johnson, Tara Jones, Sara Wollack and Paul Manfredi. A heartfelt thanks to Michelle Surkan, who waited patiently for the president message to come in late Sunday night, and consistently published the Monday Messenger September through June.
Thanks to the administration; Tara Gray, Liz Vandenberghe, Carol Ann Yamamoto, Katherine Parkin, Robin Moore, Sally Fouche, Michele Dang, Jill Follett, Melinda Breeze, and Stephanie Schuele for working with PTSA to create great programs, work through financials, and be supportive of PTSA. Thanks to Patty Lydon, Kitchen Manager, who worked with our PTSA to try out new ideas and supported our events nutritionally. Thanks to our custodians; Gamage and Dennis for their wonderful support of our after hours events and our Campus Improvement day with the firetruck. Thanks to all the teachers and staff that took on the challenge to write grants, suggest changes, think of new ideas for the school, we love innovation!
Thanks to the people that volunteered their time for PTSA events and contributed financially to PTSA to ensure that we can continue to support the academic success of each and every student at IS now and next year. Thanks to every PTSA member that believed in our goal of 100% membership. We did it and we will continue to do it. Thanks to my husband, Matt who is a super fan and supporter, and my two kids; Tessa and Alex who let me take the time to be a part of this school’s success. Finally, I want to give a special thanks to all of the students for supporting IS by working hard, having fun, and making International the best school in Bellevue.
I look forward to continuing on the board in another role and seeing the results of our hard work next year.
Thank you for your support,
Meribeth Nordloef-Pedersen
ISPTSA President 2017-2018“Community Creates Success at IS”
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LAST ISPTSA MEETING IS 6/19
8:15 - 8:45 AM IN THE LIBRARY
ISPTSA General Membership Meeting
June 19th,
8:15-8:45 AM, location: IS
Library.
Please plan on attending our General Membership Meeting on Tuesday, June 19th at 8:15 AM to voice your support and vote-in the following parents that have stepped up to lead our ISPTSA board next year.
President: Ching Guo
Secretary: Zena Heywood
Treasurer 1: Beverly Ni
VP of Community: Liying Tan & Qiong Chen
VP of Communications: Li Wu
VP of Outreach: Meribeth Nordloef-Pedersen
The following positions are open:
VP of fundraising
President Elect
Treasurer 2
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Golden Acorn Winners
Thank you
to everyone who made a nomination for the Golden Acorn Award. We received a record number of nominations from across the community. Your kind tributes to members of the IS community were wonderful. Two nominations stood out from the others, please join us in congratulating the 2018 recipients of the Golden Acorn,
Sally Fouche and Sue Bensten.
Please join us Tuesday, June 19 at 8:15AM at the ISPTSA meeting for the presentation of their awards.
Sally Fouche
One nomination captured the spirit of Sally and the work she has done at the International School as a parent, volunteer and staff member, "Sally is a force of nature. She has worked tirelessly to make IS a more upbeat, nurturing and academically challenging school." It was frequently mentioned that she is a champion for IS, advocating for students and working to provide a strong community and learning environment for all. Sally has committed countless hours and more than 20 years in the service of students, teachers and other staff in the public schools. She has been an art docent, field trip chaperone including HS retreat, facilitated German exchange, Cooking Club, College Boot camp and essay writing, Bite of IS, the 20th-anniversary celebration, ASB advisor, doing community outreach to bring new diverse students to IS, staff luncheons, graduation committees and Random Acts of Fun, where she set up volleyball nets, brought beach balls, filled a kiddie pool with water and set out lounge chairs, so the kids could relax. Sally is always willing to tackle any challenge she hears about with a positive can-do attitude. Focus Week and Senior Project are a unique part of the IS experience and neither would be what they are today without the efforts of Sally. For Focus Week, Sally "has contributed countless hours and bottomless energy to support our staff in creating an education, stimulating and budget-conscious Focus Week." She has also spent many hours recruiting board day judges and then thoughtfully placing those judges with the right students. While students might not have had confidence in themselves, Sally always had complete confidence in them. "She has served as friend, adviser, counselor, surrogate parent, cheerleader and advocate for countless students," another nomination said. "She is a woman of great integrity and kindness. Everyone's lives are touched and supported by all she does." Sally has had 3 children graduate from the International School. Her youngest child graduated in 2016.
Sue Bentsen
S
ue has had a significant positive influence on the students, teachers
and
staff of the International School since she joined the International School community in 2007. As one IS alumni wrote, "Sue was the one parent that was always there from 6th grade. She volunteered at all the class events, band nights, with the PTSA, middle school PE program, grad committees, in the office..her presence and parent volunteer leadership were constant all the years I was there." For several years, Sally and Sue were partners in shaping and improving Focus Week so that students would have engaging and interesting Focus Weeks options. They also partnered on the school 20th-anniversary celebration bringing together an amazing flash mob and being ASB advisors when the ASB needed additional mentorship and guidance. Sue is always there to lend a helping hand with a sense of humor, true empathy and no drama. From helping to organize the 6th grade retreats, to PTSA volunteer roles including the grants committee and graduation committees, to volunteering her talents to enhance the drama productions, to running IBoost, the now-defunct IS Booster Club to supporting IJazz band and choir, to judging Senior Board Day, Sue has dedicated countless hours to supporting students and programs at International School. Sue performs many small acts of kindness from providing freshly baked food for the office to arranging volunteers to bring lunch for the staff when she knows that "breaking bread together" would benefit the staff. Sue not only volunteers her own time and energy, according to one nomination, "she has inspired all of us to consider how we can step up our own community volunteerism game." Sue does not seek recognition for her efforts but is always there to lend dependable expertise and support. Sue (and Brent) have had 3 children attend IS. Her youngest sons are graduating in 2018.
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CLASSROOM PRIVACY SHADES INSTALLED
We would like to thank Minal Shah for leading the effort to install almost 50 privacy shades on the doors at IS, using a blackout material that can be rolled up and down. Minal created and led this project from last year thru this year, and had various people volunteer to sew and install. PTSA provided the funds for the material. We would like to thank the following volunteers; Kris & Robert Laserna, Joanie Chang, Cindy Lu and her daughter Laura Zhang, Minal & Kanan Shah, Meribeth and moms of Scout troop 673 including Cat (Catherine) Snyder, Sarah Rahmel (also an IS parent) Allison Davis, Lisa Engeldingel and her niece Jennifer. Thanks for your persistence Minal.
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MEMBERSHIP NEWS
Thank you to all our IS parents and staff and students that supported us in our membership drive. We hope you see our 100% banner that is up until the last day of school. You will see it again when we reach 100% membership in 2018-2019 school year. We also received a plaque from the state for the 100% membership which is hanging in the front office. Renewal of membership is available
after July 1st.
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ISPTSA WINS AWARD FOR 100% MEMBERSHIP
Congratulations to the ISPTSA for receiving the award for 100% Membership by the Washington State PTA. We appreciate all of the hard work and effort made by this year's membership chair Joanie Chang!
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FINAL DONATIONS FOR THE 2017-2018 YEAR NEEDED
Help us Finish in the Black!
All donations raised as part of this fundraising effort directly pay for 2018-2019 curriculum enhancement, student activities support, and so much more. Due to two events that did not occur this year, our expenses are less than budgeted, but we need an additional donation of $6000 to finish our year in the black.
We are asking for a $50 per person donation to complete our budget and set up our budget for spending right away in Fall of 2018. Two months after school starts, PTSA is already paying $30,000 for curriculum enrichment. All donations are tax deductible and we accept corporate matching. All donations need to be submitted
by
June 22nd. Click
here to donate or cash/check dropped off at the office. Thank you for your financial support of PTSA.
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BACK TO BUSINESS DAY SCHEDULE, WEDNESDAY 8/15
6th Grade: 8:00 am
7th Grade: 9:00 am
8th Grade: 10:00 am
9th Grade: 11:00 am
10th - 12th Grades: 12:00
Ends at 2:00 pm
We do not mail home packets in the summer. Families are expected to download all the forms and information from our website at
www.bsd405.org/international. The website will be updated and ready to go by August 1st. There will not be copies of the forms available at school so
please print them out in advance and bring the completed copies with you. Included online will be a document for you to see what the fees are by grade so you will know what to expect. The lines to pay fees can be very long but you can beat the lines by paying on line at
https://touchbase.bsd405.org/.
Again, please note that you start paying on August 1st. However, if you don’t mind the lines, you may pay in the main office or at the attendance window. We now take credit cards, checks and cash! We can only do one transaction per student so you will need at least one check per student to pay for class fees.
At Back to Business day your student will get their schedule, PE lock, be assigned a locker, receive an ORCA card to ride the Metro Bus (if eligible), have their photo taken, and pay fees.
If you can’t make it to Back to Business Day, we have two mini Back to Business Dates and Times.
We ask that you try to make it to one of these options. If you are unable to make these times, please call 425-456-6500 after August 1st to set up an appointment. Please do not just drop into the office. You will be able to take care of most things that are available except for getting your photo taken. The photographer will be back at school on Tuesday, Oct. 2nd for picture retakes and for students who were not able to make it on August 15th.
The mini Back to Business Days are:
Tuesday, Aug. 21 from 9-11 am
Wednesday, Aug. 22 from 5-7 pm
Have a great summer!
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DEJEUNER EN BLANC A SUCCESS!
Our first Déjeuner en Blanc was a huge success. Students and staff all really loved the chance to picnic à la française and play field games afterwards. Should we do it again next year? The answer is a resounding OUI!!! We look forward to do
ven bigger and better next year.
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THANK YOU PARENT VOLUNTEERS!
Thank you for helping to support and honor the Class of 2018!
As you may know each June, as our Senior Class prepares to graduate, the community of IS joins together to help support the celebrations that are part of this special time. This allows the families of our graduating seniors the ability to focus on celebrating their graduates and also gives parents from other grades a chance to see what’s ahead! We are so very grateful for the contributions each grade makes to the culminating graduation events:
Underclassmen Grade Level Support:
• 6th Grade Families: Host box lunch for seniors on Senior Project Board Day. (Students present Senior Project portfolio and 15 minute speech to a panel of 3 expert judges.)
• 10th Grade Families: Host light lunch the day of Graduation Rehearsal.
• 7th & 11th Grade Families: Host Graduation Reception following the
Commencement ceremony:
• 8th & 9th Grade Families: Host Baccalaureate Reception. Baccalaureate is a non-religious event held prior to graduation at an off-campus site with special recognition for each graduating senior.
We wish to extend an extra note of gratitude to the following parents who so generously, agreed to help in coordinating these special events:
Lori Hunt
Brenda Bedrosian
Michelle Surkan
Meribeth Nordloef
Lily Tan
Molly Kihanya
Andrea Wohlan
On behalf of the Class of 2018 and their families,
Thank you!
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PTSA SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS
The Bellevue Council PTSA offers scholarships each year to outstanding students in the Bellevue School District. The Dr. Michael Riley and Alice Hurd Memorial scholarships are $1,000 scholarships awarded to one graduating senior from each of the six Bellevue high schools: Bellevue, Interlake, International, Newport, Sammamish and Big Picture.
The Dr. Michael Riley Memorial Scholarship is sponsored by local PTAs, and is awarded to one student from each of the high schools. It is named in honor of Bellevue’s former superintendent. The Dr. Riley Scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior from a Bellevue high school who demonstrates exceptional accomplishment in academics, leadership, and activities.
The Alice Hurd Memorial Scholarship is funded by a trust established by the Hurd Family to honor their wife and mother, Alice Hurd. She was a tireless and enthusiastic volunteer in PTA and an outstanding child advocate. In recognition of her volunteer spirit, the Alice Hurd Scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior from a Bellevue high school who has gone above and beyond in service to the community and contributed a substantial number of community service hours.
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All 2018 Scholarships were awarded at Bellevue PTSA Council Awards & Recognition Ceremony on May 29, 2018 at Sammamish High School to the following students:
Alice Hurd Memorial Scholarship (Outstanding Community Service)
Isabella Burckhardt, Bellevue Big Picture School
Ein Chang, Bellevue High School
Haneul Ryou, Interlake High School
Rachel Koo, International School
Julia Hayano, Newport High School
Megan Elliott, Sammamish High School
Dr. Michael Riley Memorial Scholarship (Academic Excellence)
Isabella Burckhardt, Bellevue Big Picture School
Kevin Ma, Bellevue High School
Lilly Cao, Interlake High School
Anusha Sriram, International School
Anne Lim, Newport High School
Anthony Rudasics, Sammamish High School
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SUMMER'S HERE - TIME TO VOLUNTEER
Summer is a great time for rising 9
th-12
th graders to earn volunteer hours toward the 40 hour BSD graduation requirement. Students must obtain a name and email address of an adult at the organization who can verify hours of service. Upon completion of service, log into Naviance to access the x2vol tab and enter your info. If the volunteer work was done over multiple dates, enter the final date in the date field. Students may email high school counselor Melinda Breeze at
breezem@bsd405.org or counseling secretary Jill Follett at
follettj@bsd405.org to reset Naviance passwords if necessary.
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COMING SOON: ONLINE STUDENT DATA VERIFICATION
The
Synergy Online Student Verification Project Team announced a new way for families to update student demographic forms and school nurse health information forms in Synergy. This is a natural extension of what families have already become accustomed to doing in the new software this year -- such as accessing grades, attendance, teachers' messages and other school-related information -- to contribute to students' academic success.
On
Aug. 6, Bellevue School District will launch
Online Student Data Verification via ParentVUE. In addition to student demographic data, parents and guardians can update their contact information, as well as edit, update and add emergency contacts, and upload documents to submit to their student's school(s). Parents of students at multiple schools can complete and submit the verification of their student information at one time.
The verification process can be completed on any web enabled device, at any time via the district website (this process is currently not available via the ParentVUE app). Kiosks will be available at all 29 schools, plus 3 kiosks at the BSD Student Placement office where parents and guardians can also verify this information via ParentVUE. Training guides with how-to instructions for families will be available online and at the BSD Kiosks at the time of launch. Paper format will still be available for families who prefer that method.
By updating student's data, we can communicate academic progress to the appropriate contacts, distribute important information as needed, contact families in emergency situations, and respond to a medical situation appropriately. It's important to ensure that all information is current, accurate and complete.
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VOLUNTEERS FOR THE CLASS of 2019 GRAD ACTIVITIES
We are still looking for volunteers to help with the graduation festivities for the Class of 2019. This is current juniors, soon to be rising seniors! There is a core group of parents who help plan and execute all the events from Senior/Staff lunch to Senior Celebration to the super fun grad night party. We have a few leadership roles to fill including Gratitudes and Thank Yous and Commencement.
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PAPERLESS OPTION FOR REPORT CARDS
You can choose to receive your student’s report card through student view and not have a paper copy sent to you.
When you log into ParentVue, click the “my Account” tab at the top of the screen and then check the box to Only Receive report cards online.
Each parent has to check the box in their account in you don’t want printed report cards sent to you.
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THESE STUDENTS RAN 100 MILES THIS YEAR!
Congratulations to our first three students to run 100 miles in Physical Education this year!!! They are:
Kira Bueler,
Ryan Chang and
Isabella Parish.
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PARKING PERMITS
Parking Permit Applications for the 2018-19 school year are being accepted until
June 12, 2018
at
3:45 pm
. Students who currently have their driver's license or will get one by
September 5, 2018
are welcome to submit an application. All forms have been emailed to 9-11th graders. Only complete applications will be accepted. Questions should be directed to Andrea Olsen (
olsena@bsd405.org
) or Carol Anne Yamamoto (
yamamotoca@bsd405.org
).
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PLANNING ON LEAVING EARLY FOR SUMMER?
Must Do's: At least 5 school days prior to absence: Submit completed Prearranged Absence Form to Attendance Office (see
IS Attendance Policy for Reference)
2 days prior to absence: Turn in all textbooks to teachers & return laptop to Jess Albrecht in room 213.
Any books/technology items not turned in prior to the last day of school will be entered as fines that must be paid in August.
When do I turn in my school laptop for the summer?
•
Thursday June 14th –
12th grade
•
Wednesday June 20th –
6-11th grade
Volunteers are needed!
• Please look at dates/times at the following link:
• We need volunteers for handing out laptops in the fall also:
What should I bring on laptop return day?
• Your laptop
• Your charger (both pieces)
• Your stylus
• Your laptop bag (laptop bag strap)
What happens if I am missing something or my laptop is damaged?
Here is the form that will be completed the day of return. One copy stays with the district and a copy will go home to families.
Missing Items: If you are missing the above items, your account will be charged the following amounts:
• Replacement cost for charger: $19
• Replacement cost for stylus: $13
• Replacement cost for laptop bag/strap: $30
• Replacement cost for laptop: $1000
Damage: Administrators will be present during collection to assess damage on the computer. The parent/guardian will be charged $100 for negligent damage. Some examples of negligent damage are: missing multiple keys, cracked screens, water spills, etc. Some examples of gross negligent damage are: graffiti that cannot be removed, throwing the laptop, stolen laptop due to leaving laptop unattended (including full view in a car). Damage fines will be assigned depending on cost of repair, the parent/guardian/student will need to pay the full cost for the repair or replacement. The cost for damage is in addition to any missing items.
Who do I contact if I have questions?
Please contact Tara Gray (
grayt@bsd405.org) or Jess Albrecht (
albrechtj@bsd405.org) via email or by calling International’s main office. If you have any financial concerns, please contact us, as well.
Thank you all for your support, we are looking forward to another successful year in 2018-2019.
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TITAN ROBOTICS LEGO LEAGUE SUMMER CAMP 6/25-29
Are you entering grades 4-8 next year? Have you ever wanted to build a robot? Our very own Titan Robotics Club is hosting a week long Lego League robotics camp the first week of summer vacation
June 25-June 29
. It will run
9:00 am to 2:30 pm
everyday at International. With the help of high school mentors and Sterling Brown, learn to design, build and code your very own MindStorm robot. For more information or to sign up:
www.titanrobotics.com
.
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HIGH SCHOOL RETREAT INFORMATION FOR 2018-2019
It’s already time to start thinking about High School Retreat! For all 8th – 11th graders, please fill out the paperwork and turn it in to the main office with payment. All forms are
here.
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LATIN AMERICAN EXPERTS NEEDED FOR HS RETREAT
Do You Have Experience Or Expertise In Latin America?
We are looking for sessions on Latin American cultural, socio-political, economic, artistic, or other content for our next High School Retreat. If you have expertise or can connect us with experts, we would love your involvement! Teachers will assist with planning and teaching the session. It’s a great way to connect with students, support our community, and share your passion!
We also need chaperones! Please join us!
For information for students (flyer, permission forms), check
here. Payments are due in the office (all high school students will participate).
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STUDENT NEWS & COMMUNITY EVENTS
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YOUTH LINK LEADERSHIP ACADEMY
Each summer, Bellevue Youth Link hosts a week-long youth leadership and community service training from
July 23-27 for Bellevue middle and high school students. Students participate in interactive youth leadership training modules designed to prepare students as they develop interests in youth leadership and community service opportunities here in our city or in their respective schools for the upcoming school year. The week consists of a youth leadership orientation and training at city hall, “learning journey” tour of various community organization, participation in a low/high ropes challenge course, project planning exercises, team building activities, and even help out as a group at the Bellevue 6th Street Arts Fair!
The week is full of activities, learning, discovery, friendship, and fun! Attached is a copy of the registration info. Registration is now open but spaces are very limited so early registration is highly recommended. For more info about this unique youth leadership training opportunity, please see
THE FLYER or contact me via email or call our office at 425-452-5254. Thank you very much and we look forward to seeing you at the Summer Youth Link Leadership Academy!
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DALE CARNEGIE SUMMER CLASS FOR YOUNG ADULTS
June 25 – 27, 2018
Wed. – Fri. - 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
Cost - $650 ($400 for siblings) – for ages 13 – 18
This course is designed to prepare young people for the here and now. It provides skills they need to set and achieve goals, and perform to their full potential – at school, home, and work. The curriculum was developed with feedback from students and consists of eight, three-hour, highly interactive sessions that include real-life scenarios and role-playing.
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
Phone – 425.453.8822
Or follow this link:
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STUDENT SPORTS & OPPORTUNITIES
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SAMMMAMISH GIRLS GOLF NEWS
Congratulations to
Sammamish Totems Girls Golf team earned the class 2A girls golf state championship!
International school student Lily Bai (11th grader) plays for the team in state.
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BELLEVUE HIGH SCHOOL WATER POLO
As the school year winds down, start thinking about Fall Sports. If you like water and can float, consider water polo. It’s a fun, no cut, sport with no prior experience required. You may try it out by joining Summer League to get your feet wet. Interested? Talk to your IS teammates: Jason Hainze (captain), Matthew Mulfinger, Hayden Coon or Jack Jones.
For children of International/BSD staff who live out of the BSD and are enrolled at International can participate in athletics at Bellevue High School. Email
susan@hainze.com
if you would like to learn more about HS water polo.
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MASTHEAD / DIRECTORY / LINKS
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President
Meribeth Nordloef-Pedersen
President-Elect
Ching Guo
VP - Community
Li Wu Sylvia Abrahamsson
VP - Communications
Stephanie Winkler-Hadley
Treasurer 1
Beverly Ni
Treasurer 2
Michelle Lee
Secretary
Amy Frei
Membership
Joanie Chang
Advocacy
Janice Zahn
Monday Messenger
Michelle Surkan
Website
Betsy Johnson
IS Staff Liasons
Tara Jones, Sarah Wallick
PTSA
Website: www.isptsa.org
Newsletter Submissions: news@isptsa.org
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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.
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School Directory and Links
ATTENDANCE 425-456-6545
MAIN OFFICE 425-456-6500
COUNSELING 425-456-6542
REGISTRAR 425-456-6535
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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!
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MONDAY MESSENGER SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
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- Please submit your information by FRIDAY at 12:00 (noon) to news@isptsa.org.
- 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.
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International School PTSA
445 128th Ave. SE
Bellevue, WA 98005
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