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UPCOMING DATES AND EVENTS
THIS WEEK:
  • Friday, 4/5 • End of Quarter

NEXT WEEK:
  • Monday, 4/8–Friday, 4/12 • No School—Spring Break

LOOKING AHEAD:
  • Monday, 4/15, 7:00 PM • PTSA Board Meeting
  • Wednesday, 4/17, 6:30 PM • PTSA General Meeting
  • Tuesday, 4/18, 6:30–8:30 PM, IPAC • "Parenting with Identity in Mind" Presentation (more info and RSVP link below)
  • Friday, 4/19, 7:00 PM • Spring Middle School Social
  • Monday, 4/22–Friday, 4/26 • Spirit Week
  • Wednesday, 4/24, 11:45 AM • Staff Appreciation Lunch
  • Saturday, 4/27, 8:00 PM • Spring Fling
  • Wednesday, 5/1, 7:00 PM • IS Jazz Night
  • Thursday, 5/2, 6:30 PM • 11th Grade Parent Night (more info below)
  • Friday, 5/3, 12:00 PM • BSF Spring for Schools Luncheon
  • Friday, 5/3, 6:00 PM • Bite of IS
  • Saturday, 5/4, 9:00 AM • PTSA Campus Improvement
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
RAISE YOUR HAND IF YOU CAN HELP!


IS and the ISPTSA are currently seeking the following volunteers:

  • Chaperones for Spring Middle School Social—Fri, 4/19
  • On-call Volunteers

Click here to learn more and sign up.
PTSA NEWS
SAVE THE DATE: PTSA GENERAL MEETING

Wednesday, April 17, 6:30 PM

In addition to the meeting, Sally Fouche and Jill Follett will provide information about College Boot Camp.
IT'S NOT TOO LATE TO DONATE!

If you were unable to attend, you can still make an impact.  Please consider a donation on our Spring Social website . Just sign in and follow the prompts to make your donation.  
SCHOOL NEWS
QUICK VALUES SURVEY, PLEASE PARTICIPATE!

APOLOGIES FOR PROBLEMS WITH LAST WEEK'S LINK—CORRECT LINK BELOW!

Hello Families,
 
We are currently working on revising/updating the core values for International School. During this process we are eliciting feedback from parents, students, and teachers.
 
If you have a few minutes, we would really appreciate it if you picked the top five values that you feel best represent International School .
 
Please click here to access the correct survey link. Please accept our apologies—the incorrect link was given in last week's Monday Messenger.
 
Thank you,
The Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports Team
SPRING 11TH GRADE PARENT NIGHT

Thursday, May 2, 6:30–8:00 PM, IS Library

F ocus will be on expectations for senior year. 
LOST AND FOUND UPDATE

Please check out the lost and found to see if any of these lovely treasures belong to your family. Stop by the main office to pick up your belongings.
CLASS OF 2020: COLLEGE BOOT CAMP REGISTRATION IS OPEN!

College Boot Camp is a five-day workshop (three hours each day) and costs $200. Choose between two sessions, limited to 35 students each: August 12–16, either AM (9:00 AM–12:00 PM) or PM (1:00–4:00 PM). Payment is your registration and may be made online through student’s account at  https://touchbase.bsd405.org/  or in the office. 

Learn more  here .
STUDENT NEWS & COMMUNITY EVENTS
PREPARING FOR COLLEGE—FOUR 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. No registration or reservation needed. Pay at the door.
 
I. Top 10 Things Colleges Look for in Admissions and How to Get There 
  • Why Transcripts Matter: Grades and Classes
  • Passionate Involvement in Activities is Key
  • A Well-Written, Authentic Essay Speaks Volumes
  • Demonstrated Interest in Colleges is Increasingly More Important 
Monday, April 15,  6:30–8:00 PM, Wilburton Instructional Service Center, Rainier Room, 12241 Main St., Bellevue

II. Rocking Standardized Tests
  • General SAT, ACT, and Standardized Test-Taking Tips
  • Timing Strategies for Students
  • Practicing Strategies in Session
  • Tips for the Week of and Day of the Test
Monday, April 29, 6:30–8:00 PM, Wilburton Instructional Service Center, Rainier Room, 12241 Main St., Bellevue
 
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.
PARENTING WITH IDENTITY IN MIND PRESENTATION

Tuesday, April 18, 6:30–8:30 PM, IPAC

The Bellevue Schools Foundation, in partnership with the PTSA Council and Bellevue School District, invites you to attend an  Education Connection  presentation entitled Parenting with Identity in Mind . The presentation will feature specialist Rosetta Lee in an interactive session that helps parents answer the difficult questions our children ask about identity. How do we talk to our children about group identity labels—for example, female, African-American, Buddhist, middle class, etc.? From whom did we learn the meaning of these terms, and what messages have we internalized about ourselves and others? Join Rosetta Lee to learn how you can instill positive self-identity in your children and coach them to be positive influences on others' identities. Together, we can co-create inclusive communities that work toward success for all.
 
You won't want to miss t his insightful evening . Click here to register now!
BSF ANNUAL SPRING FOR SCHOOLS LUNCHEON

Friday, May 3, Hyatt Regency Bellevue

Join the Bellevue Schools Foundation for their annual Spring For Schools Luncheon. The schedule is as follows:   Education Showcase from 10:15–11:50 AM, Luncheon and program from n oon–1:15 PM.  For more information and/or a registration link for the ISPTSA Table, please contact Amy Frei, BSF Ambassador to International School, at  amyfrei@hotmail.com,  or click  here  for the BSF Spring For Schools Website.
SUPPORT CHILDHAVEN BY SUPPORTING SENIOR PROJECT

Hello IS community, my name is Ashleigh Helms and I am doing fundraising for my Senior Project. This is a community-service and learning-based project that every senior at IS completes for graduation. For my project, I am learning about interior design by shadowing a professional and working with others in the community. My final project will be redecorating the parent lounge at Childhaven , a non-profit organization that helps youths who have experienced trauma.
 
I am fundraising to buy quality furniture, paint, and materials so that I can put together a room that will be a lasting blessing in their facility. Childhaven has been gracious enough to create a page on their website to directly accept donations for my project. This means everything you donate is both tax deductible and eligible for corporate matching funds. All remaining proceeds will go directly to Childhaven.
 
I would be delighted if you could help me reach my goal of $5,000! Fundraising will be open until Wednesday, April 10. Any and all donations are sincerely appreciated and will go to a great cause. 
 
To learn more about my project, please visit my Senior Project website .
To donate please click here .
BELLEVUE GIFTED ALLIANCE SURVEY

For parents of students in BSD's Gifted/AL programs, whether in the centered program or in AL in the neighborhood school:
To help BGA set their priorities, please take a few minutes to send them your candid feedback on your children's experience in the Gifted/AL programs—whether positive, or suggestions for changes to the programs. 

They will share aggregated responses with the school district, but no identifying information will be shared with the district. Please post your comments on their confidential Google Forms survey here.
This survey will close on Sunday, April 21.
NONPROFIT ADVOCATES FOR REGIONAL AQUATIC CENTER IN BELLEVUE

SplashForward, a nonprofit advocacy group, is working hard on Bellevue School District’s behalf to realize a new regional aquatic center in Bellevue to meet a great community need.

Imagine . . .

  • One INDOOR location in Bellevue for Swim & Dive and Water Polo teams to train together.
  • Home meets & King County Championships in Bellevue!
  • Accessible commutes for team members to train and families to support.
  • Dryland space for on-deck and weight-room training.
  • Deep Water indoor for Water Polo.
  • Every 3rd grader graduating ‘water safe.’
  • A learn-to-swim program for K-5.
  • Enhanced aquatics curriculum for special needs.
  • Growth in participation levels in all aquatics sports.
Next month, look for the BSD Growth & Planning Committee’s community meetings. Attend and show support for an aquatics center on the BSD 2020 Bond Package.
Please follow us on social media to learn more, ask questions, and get involved!   @splashfwd  ,
STUDENT SPORTS & OPPORTUNITIES
BELLEVUE PTSA COUNSIL SCHOLARSHIPS

The Bellevue PTSA Council offers scholarships each year to outstanding students in the Bellevue School District. The Dr. Michael Riley and Alice Hurd Memorial scholarships are each $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 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.  

The application deadline for both scholarships is April 26 at 11:59 PM.
For more information and to apply, please click here.
BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB OFFERS HOMEWORK ASSISTANCE AND MORE

Parents, are you looking for a safe after-school place for your students? The (non-profit) Bellevue Boys & Girls Club offers a daily after-school homework assistance program at their Lake Hills location— Club 6/7/8  for middle school students and  BE GREAT: Graduate  for high school students. Mentors/tutors are on site each day to work with students and stay in contact with their schools. The positive, supportive atmosphere helps students stay on track and succeed.

Students also have access to  The Club Teen Center . Staffed by professionals,  The Club  offers programs in a state-of-the-art technology lab, audio recording studio, art room, teaching kitchen, and a bicycle repair/building lab.  The Club  space also has recreation available: a ping pong table, a pool table, a foosball table, a board games table, video games, and a sport court for basketball, volleyball, and badminton. For teens who want to get involved in leadership, The Keystone Advisory  provides guidance and opportunities.

All Boys & Girls Club programs are free, and transportation is provided from school. Snacks are available every day, and a Teen Feed dinner is offered every Thursday. 

For more information, please visit the Boys and Girls Club website , or call: 425-429-3203.
CODING FOR MEDICINE 2019 SUMMER CAMP AND OPPORTUNITIES

Coding for Medicine would like to invite International School students to join their cutting-edge and innovative summer programs at the intersection of Biology, Medicine, and Computer Science. All high school and middle school students are eligible. Courses unify skills in coding, computer algorithms, math, and biology. Learn one of the most transformative STEM skills needed in healthcare, life sciences, and data science.

For more info, please contact 425-898-8187 or  info@coding4medicine.com.
Go to their website to find out more, learn about info sessions at local libraries in April and May, or register. Join with a friend and share a 10% discount!
SHE CODES ART WORKSHOP

She Codes Art is a Bellevue-based nonprofit that was founded by students from the greater-Seattle area last year to combat the lack of diversity in tech fields by increasing interest in computer science. Their upcoming workshop, a Website Design & Art Workshop in the She Codes Art workshop series, targets girls from grades 6th–8th. Girls will learn about website design by coding their own websites in HTML/CSS regarding art-related themes and needs, and will then present their final websites. No prior coding experience is necessary!

The Website Design & Art Workshop will take place on April 13 at Microsoft Building 30. Click here to see the informational flyer. Students can register here .
THEATER WORKS BELLEVUE ANNOUNCES SUMMER 2019 CLASSES

Theater Works in Bellevue, a s ummer theater program located at Bellevue High School since 2014, provides a place for all ages, all abilities, and all experience levels to discover, create, and explore theatrical arts in a non-competitive environment. Theater Works Bellevue is s ponsored by the BHS Drama Booster Club.

All classes will be held at Bellevue High School Performing Arts Center, 10416 SE Wolverine Way, Bellevue, WA 98004.

Register online ( 20% Sibling Discount at checkout!) : www.theaterworksinbellevue.com  
             
For more information, contact: info@theaterworksinbellevue.com
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: news@isptsa.org
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 news@isptsa.org.
  • 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.