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RAISE THE TORCH
TO REACH OUR GOAL BY WEDNESDAY !

Don’t be spooked! We are wrapping up our campaign for our Fall Fundraiser on Halloween!  If you’ve been waiting to donate, now is the time ! Help us reach our goal by making a donation by this Wednesday, October 31 !  

Your contribution, no matter the amount, makes a difference!  All donations to the Fall Fundraiser you give today are tax-deductible and 100% goes back to the IS community. To see a robust list of how your donation is spent, please check out  What Your Donation Supports .

Choose a support level that works for you:  Gold $500,  Silver $250,  Bronze $100, or define your own amount. For those families who can, we ask you to consider becoming a  Titan Torch supporter with a donation of $1,000 or more. 


Prefer to write a check? Fill out and mail this  donation form  to the ISPTSA.  

Questions? Please contact  [email protected] .  
DOUBLE YOUR DONATION WITH CORPORATE MATCHING!

Does your company have a Matching Gift Program?  The International School PTSA is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. We accept donations from individuals and corporations, and these donations are tax deductible. Local companies such as Microsoft, Boeing, Google, T-Mobile & Expedia will “match” the charitable contributions made by their employees, including:
  • Cash Donations
  • Membership Dues
  • Volunteer Hours
For more information, check out our website's  Corporate Matching page .

Double your generous donation through a Matching Gift today!  Thank you for taking the extra step for IS!

Please contact  [email protected] with questions .
UPCOMING DATES AND EVENTS
THIS WEEK:
  • Tuesday, 10/30, 7:00 PM, band room • Disneyland Magic Music Days Focus Week Info Night (more info below)
  • Thursday, 11/1 • Last Day to Order Poinsettias and Wreaths (more info below)
  • Friday, 11/2 • End of Quarter

NEXT WEEK:
  • Wednesday, 11/7, 9:30-10:30 AM • Veteran’s Day Assembly
  • Wednesday, 11/7, 11:45 AM • Staff Appreciation, Hosted by 8th-Grade Families (more info and sign-up below)
  • Friday, 11/9 • No School—Professional Development Day

LOOKING AHEAD:
  • Monday, 11/12 • No School—Veterans Day
  • Thursday-Friday, 11/22-11/23 • No School—Thanksgiving
  • Monday-Thursday, 11/26-11/29 • Scholastic Book Fair
  • Tuesday, 12/4 • Reflections Deadline
  • Tuesday, 12/4, 7:00 PM, IPAC • Middle School Band Concert
  • Thursday, 12/6, 7:00 PM, IPAC • High School Band Concert
  • Friday, 12/7, 7:00 PM, The Commons • Middle School Social
  • Tuesday, 12/11, 7:00 PM, IPAC • Orchestra Concert
  • Wednesday, 12/12, 11:45 AM • Staff Appreciation, Hosted by 7th-Grade Families
  • Wednesday, 12/12, 7:00 PM, IPAC • Choir Concert
  • Thursday, 12/13, 7:00 PM, IPAC • Choir Concert
  • Saturday, 12/15, 8:00 PM • Tolo
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
CAN YOU LEND YOUR SCHOOL COMMUNITY A HAND?

IS and the ISPTSA are currently seeking the following volunteers:
  • 8th-Grade Families to help with Staff Appreciation Lunch, Nov 7
  • On-call Volunteers

Click here to learn more and sign up.
SUPPORT THE CLASS OF 2019!
ONLY 4 DAYS LEFT!
POINSETTIA AND WREATH SALES TO SUPPORT THE CLASS OF 2019

If you normally purchase a holiday wreath for your door or poinsettias to decorate your home, the Class of 2019 would greatly appreciate it if you would purchase them through our class fundraiser. This sale is an International School tradition, the only Senior Class fundraiser to offset the costs of the many special events that honor our graduating seniors. 

Our flowers make a lovely gift for family, co-workers, friends, and TEACHERS/IS Staff. PLUS, if you purchase these for anyone working at IS, we will attach your card and deliver it for you! Your work is DONE after the order! 

Poinsettias $15/each—Red, White, or Shades of Pink in 6.5" pots from Squak Mountain Nursery in Issaquah (if you like to support local business, this is the place to do it!)

Wreaths $25/each with optional $2 holiday bow, 24" in diameter with ornamental pinecones from Squak Mountain Nursery in Issaquah 
 
You may order a poinsettia for a teacher/staff member as a holiday gift, too. What better way to show your appreciation for all that they do for our IS students! You may buy one for a designated teacher or, better yet, order for the staff pool, and we’ll make sure that all the teachers receive one of these beautiful plants. We need your participation!
 
  • Deadline for orders: Thursday, Nov. 1 (The sooner the better for teacher orders to ensure all staff receive a poinsettia)
  • Pickup: Tuesday, December 4 from 3:00-5:00 PM (No need to pick up teacher or staff gift plants—we will deliver for you)
 
Please make checks payable to  IS Class of 2019  and note “poinsettia” on memo line. Drop your order form and check or cash in the Poinsettia Box in the IS office. If you prefer to support the class of 2019 with a cash donation in lieu of receiving plants, your donations are welcome. 

The class of 2019 THANKS YOU for your support.
 
NOTE: All Senior Families are required to participate in this event, either by donating $125 or purchasing/selling $10 plants. Any questions, email:
Keri Cable   [email protected]   or Jennifer Pascho   [email protected]
PTSA NEWS
PTA LEGISTATIVE ASSEMBLY

The 40th Annual WA PTA legislative assembly was held October 20-21 at Green River College. Over 150 Delegates came to to learn about legislative principles, resolutions, and legislative issues; debate; and, finally, vote.  Our delegate this year was Linda Parrish, pictured with Michelle Nims, WA State PTA President.

The top legislative issues that were voted on this year become the new short-term legislative platform and consist of the priority issues when advocating throughout the year. This platform is a two year platform that mirrors the WA state legislative cycle. 
 
  1. Social and Emotional Learning
  2. School Construction and Simple Majority Bonds
  3. Prevent Gun Violence
  4. Strategies to Address the Teacher Shortage
  5. Strategic K-12 Investments to Close the Gap
 
Additional Supported issues:
  • Best Practices for School Meals-Lunch
  • Best Practices for Recess
  • Engaging Families in Student Success
  • Fun Paraeducator Training
  • Increase Access to High Quality Preschool
  • Raise the Age of Tobacco and Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems to 21
  • Safe School Plans and Emergency Preparedness

For more information, please click here . If you are interested in becoming an advocate for International PTSA, please contact Meribeth,  [email protected].
STAFF APPRECIATION LUNCHEON HOSTED BY 11TH-GRADE FAMILIES

Thank you to the 11th-Grade parent volunteers who hosted a delicious Italian-style Staff Appreciation Luncheon on Wednesday, October 24. The staff lounge was beautifully decorated and staff members enjoyed the tasty pasta, lasagna, breads, salads, fruits, and sweets! A special thank you goes to Marrene Franich , who not only coordinated this event, but also donated a majority of the main courses to complement the luncheon! Buon appetito!
The next Staff Appreciation Lunch will be hosted by 8th-Grade families on November 7. If you are interested in helping, please use SignUpGenius to sign up here .
SCHOOL NEWS
IT'S NOT TOO LATE TO ORDER STUDENT PHOTOS

Parents, if your student had their picture taken on Picture Retake Day and you didn’t order photos but you now want to, it is not too late. LifeTouch has sent proofs for everyone who had their picture taken. We have not passed these out to students but will hang on to them until November 15. If you want your proofs, have your student stop by the main office. After the 15th, they will be destroyed. 
HALLOWEEN DRESS CODE REMINDER

With Halloween taking place this Wednesday, October 31, please know that Bellevue School District’s  Student Dress Policy 3224  and  Procedure 3224P  will remain in effect, promoting an inclusive learning environment. 
 
International School will operate as a typical school day, regulating student dress if and when:
 
  • A health or safety hazard will be presented by the student's dress,
  • Damage to school property will result from the student's dress, and/or
  • A material and substantial disruption of the educational process will result from the student’s dress or appearance (may exist when a student’s conduct is inconsistent with any part of the educational mission/learning of the district). 
 
Given face masks pose a health or safety hazard, they are not allowed at school at any time, including on Halloween. Full-face paint is also not appropriate, as it is important that staff are able to readily identify students. Students are to refrain from use of face paint to mimic the skin color of another person or use the dress of another culture as a costume.
THINK BACK . . . WHAT QUESTIONS DID YOU HAVE WHEN APPLYING TO INTERNATIONAL?

The Office Would Like to Know!

The office is compiling a list of FAQs for parents of 5th grade students who are considering entering the lottery. We have our ideas of FAQs based on our experience and the phone calls we get in the office, but we wanted to touch base with our parents who have gone through this experience. What questions did you have when you were applying? Were there questions that you wished you had asked before you applied? Please share those with us. 
Please email Liz VandenBerghe at  [email protected].   
Thank you!
MUSIC DEPARTMENT DISNEYLAND TRIP INFO NIGHT

Tuesday, October 30, 7:00 PM
IS band room

The IS Music Department is very excited to continue our every-other-year tradition of taking groups to Disneyland during Focus Week for the Magic Music Days. This is a combined trip with high school students from Band, Choir, and Orchestra.

The performances and workshops on this trip are fantastic experiences for the students!  Please attend the information meeting—Donna Kehle from Lake City Travel will be present to answer questions in addition to the music directors, Anna Silarski, Joanne Whang, and Andy Rubesch.

Note that the travel dates are Wednesday, May 22 to Saturday, May 25, 2019. See  packet for more information.
STUDENT NEWS & COMMUNITY EVENTS
FAMILIES HELPING FAMILIES THANKSGIVING FOOD DRIVE

For the past 10 years, the Families Helping Families Thanksgiving Food Drive has been steadfastly dedicated to providing meals for hardworking and deserving local families. Their goal is to provide families with something to be thankful for on Thanksgiving by providing a full traditional Thanksgiving meal for the family to enjoy.

If your family is experiencing economic hardship and would like to receive a traditional Thanksgiving Meal Basket, please complete an application form in English or Spanish and return it to the school office, Family Connections Center, or Pre-K program of your youngest child by  Wednesday, October 31.

All baskets must be picked up on Sunday, November 18, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM Jubilee REACH Center, 14200 SE 13th Place, Bellevue 98007

Please contact Ana Brito Lewis, Family Services/ Servicios Familiares
Bellevue School District, ESC, with questions: 425.456.4240  [email protected]
EMERALD CITY CHAPTER OF NATIONAL CHARITY LEAGUE

Moms, are you interested in spending time with your daughters in a more meaningful way? If so, consider joining the Emerald City Chapter of the National Charity League (NCL) serving the greater Bellevue, Redmond, and Kirkland area. We are committed to community service, leadership development, and cultural experiences. Information sessions are in January.
 
We are recruiting to fill classes for girls graduating in 2023, 2024, and 2025. 
 
For more information, contact  [email protected] , or visit 
us here to learn more today!  
LAKE HILLS SOCCER CLUB TO HONOR CALUM AND MICHELLE HOOD

Wednesday November 14, 7:00 - 9:00 PM
Highland Community Center
14224 Bel-Red Road 98007

Former IS teacher Michelle Hood, and her senior project judge husband, Calum, (also IS parents), will be inducted into the Lake Hills Soccer Hall of Fame at the end of the Lake Hills Soccer Club Annual General Meeting. They will also be announcing their winners for Recreational Coaches, Select Coach, and Volunteer of the year award.

BELLEVUE GIFTED ALLIANCE EVENT


October 30, 2018, 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Rainier Room at WISC, 12241 Main St, Bellevue
 
Dr. Duran, BSD Superintendent, and Lora McHugh, Director of Advanced Learning, will present a brief info session, then parents will engage in an Advanced Learning classroom lesson (elementary, middle, or high school level) to experience the level of depth and complexity that their children are faced with each day.
 
The last hour of the evening, starting at about 7:00 PM, will be a meet-and-greet for parents to get to know other parents in the program.

More info here .
STUDENT SPORTS & OPPORTUNITIES
BELLEVUE WOLVERINE WINTER SPORTS STARTING SOON!

Monday, November 12 (non-school day)

Boys & Girls Wrestling : 3:30 PM, Upper Auxiliary Gym
Gymnastics: 4:00 PM, Upper Auxiliary Gym
Girls Basketball Tryouts: 3:45 PM, Main Gym
Boys C Team Tryouts : 3:45 PM, Lower Auxiliary Gym
Boys JV/Varsity Basketball Tryouts : 5:30 PM, Main Gym
Boys Swimming : 4:00 PM, Edgebrook Swim Club

Winter Sports Parent-Athletic Department meeting with breakout sessions with Sport Coaches: Tuesday November 20, 7:00 in the main gym.

Required for ALL Sports:  

Gymnastics, Basketball, Boys Diving and Wrestling ALL REQUIRE ImPACT testing. The ImPACT tests for Bellevue High School will take place on these dates and times in room 0108:
  • 10/29 3:30 PM
  • 11/1 3:30 PM
  • 11/5 3:30 PM
  • 11/7 1:30 PM & 2:30 PM

For more information, click here .
BELLEVUE HIGH SCHOOL BOYS SOCCER INFORMATION MEETING

Tuesday, November 13 , 7:00 - 8:30 PM , Bellevue High School Library

New and returning BHS boys soccer families (players and families) are all welcome to this meeting to help plan for the upcoming season and discuss supporting the boys soccer program through the BHS Boys Soccer Booster Club program. Also, meet new Head Coach Steve Zakuani!

If you have any questions about BHS Boys Soccer, or would like to be added to the email list, please contact  [email protected] .
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.