Please Note: This newsletter may be truncated by your email program. Please click VIEW ENTIRE MESSAGE at the bottom to read the full newsletter.
UPCOMING DATES AND EVENTS
TH IS WEEK:
  • Monday-Friday, 12/3-12/7 • Scholastic Book Fair (info below)
  • Tuesday, 12/4 • Big Buddy Lunch for all 6th Graders
  • Tuesday, 12/4 • Reflections Deadline
  • Tuesday, 12/4, 7:00 PM, IPAC • Middle School Band Concert
  • Thursday, 12/6, 6:30 PM, IPAC • High School Band Concert
  • Friday, 12/7, 7:00 PM, The Commons • Middle School Social

NEXT WEEK:
  • Monday, 12/10 • Auditions for spring musical (more info below)
  • Tuesday, 12/11 • Last Day to Donate to Snowflake Hopelink Donation Drive (more info below)
  • Tuesday, 12/11, 6:30 PM, IS Library • New French Travel/Hosting Info Night (more info below)
  • Tuesday, 12/11, 7:00 PM, IPAC • Orchestra Concert
  • Wednesday, 12/12, 11:45 AM • Staff Appreciation, Hosted by 7th-Grade Families (info and volunteer sign-up below)
  • Wednesday, 12/12, during Community • Snowflake Assembly
  • Wednesday, 12/12, 7:00 PM, IPAC • Choir Concert
  • Thursday, 12/13, 7:00 PM, IPAC • Choir Concert
  • Friday, 12/14 • French Exchange Student Excursion
  • Saturday, 12/15, 8:00 PM • Tolo

LOOKING AHEAD:
  • Monday, 12/24-Friday, 1/4 • No School—Winter Break
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
STEP UP AND VOLUNTEER AT INTERNATIONAL!

IS and the ISPTSA are currently seeking the following volunteers:


Click here to learn more and sign up.
PTSA NEWS
SCHOLASTIC BOOK FAIR
THIS WEEK!

DECEMBER 3-7
IS LIBRARY

A lot of dedicated volunteers and our IS specialist, Michele Dang, have worked hard to bring this Book Fair to IS. It's a terrific opportunity to get some of your holiday shopping out of the way, and don't forget that ALL SALES BENEFIT THE IS LIBRARY!  

Tuesday-Friday, there will be lunchtime raffles for four $25 gift certificates!

Cash/credit/debit cards accepted. Please stop in at the office to get a visitor badge when visiting the Book Fair. 
BOOK FAIR HOURS:

Monday 
12:45-1:45 PM Grand Opening
3:00-3:45 PM

Tuesday  
7:45-8:30 AM
12:45-1:45 PM
3:00-3:45 PM


Wednesday
7:45-8:30 AM
11:30 AM-12:30 PM

Thursday
7:45-8:30 AM
12:45-1:45 PM
3:00-3:45 PM

Friday
12:45-1:45 PM  Last Day
HELP US HELP YOU
 
A new legislative session starts in January, and PTSA needs our membership to provide the power behind our legislative platform. There is no other educational advocacy group that works better for you and your family's education. Please join now. Click  here ! A big thank you for your PTSA support.
 
$35 as a dual membership supports two IS students. $20 as a single membership supports one IS student.
Community Creates Success at IS. 

We currently have 400 memberships.   We need just 172 more members to reach our 100% goal.  Check out our membership listing to see if you still need to renew or join.
Please contact Sharon Chen,  membership@isptsa.org , with questions.
DECEMBER STAFF APPRECIATION LUNCH TO BE HOSTED BY 7TH GRADE FAMILIES ON WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12

7th grade families are hosting a Holiday Luncheon for the IS teachers and staff. If you have a 7th grader, please show how much you appreciate our staff members by signing up here.
BELLEVUE GIFTED ALLIANCE PRESENTS: WHAT I KNOW NOW THAT I WISH I'D KNOWN THEN

A panel of college students from Bellevue School District discuss how to choose a college.

Monday, December 17, 6:30 PM
Interlake High School, Performing Arts Center
16245 NE 24th Street, Bellevue, WA 98005
BELLEVUE PTSA COUNCIL: STUDENT SELF-ADVOCACY SEMINARS— NEW DATES ADDED

The Bellevue PTSA Council invites middle and high school students to Student Self-Advocacy Seminars .

Session #1: Student Self-Advocacy
Tuesday, November 27, 2018 (full) 
Monday, December 3, 2018
Thursday, December 6, 2018    
Monday, December 10, 2018 (full)

What is student self-advocacy? How can students advocate for themselves with their teachers? How can parents support the process?

Session #2: Student Self-Advocacy: Taking it to the next level
Tuesday, December 11, 2018 (full)
Thursday, December 13, 2018 (full)
Tuesday, January 8, 2019 (full)

How can students advocate to school and district administrators? What is the process for speaking to the school board? How can parents support the process?

Session #3: Student Self-Advocacy: Olympia Here We Come
Friday, January 11, 2019 (full)
Thursday, January 17, 2019 (full)

Bellevue PTSA Council will be inviting all students, parents & staff to join them for a day of advocacy in Olympia on January 21 for "Bellevue Goes to Olympia."  This session will provide tips and guidance for advocating with our state senators and representatives.

All sessions will be held at Sammamish High School, Room 216, 100 140th Avenue SE, Bellevue WA 98005, from 6:00-8:00pm. Seating is limited, so please register as soon as possible for each of the individual sessions.  If registration is full, please check the website for the most up-to-date details of possible additional dates.

Register here. For more information, please email:  jessjean@hotmail.com .
SCHOOL NEWS
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL'S ANNUAL SNOWFLAKE IS HAPPENING NOW!

Our annual Snowflake tradition had begun! Many school traditions are underway during this season of giving and celebration.
 
  • Hopelink Donation Drive—ongoing until December 11
  • Middle School Social—Friday, December 7, 7:00 PM, The Commons
  • Snowflake Assembly—Wednesday, December 12, during Community
  • TOLO—Saturday, December 15, 8:00 PM, The Commons
Our annual Snowflake donation drive is going on now! In the month of December, our entire community gets together to collect food donations and other goods to benefit Hopelink, a local organization supporting homeless and low-income families in King and Snohomish counties. For more information on Hopelink, please click here. Historically, International’s Snowflake donation is Hopelink’s largest annual donation, often totaling about 16,000 pounds of food! Please help us make this year the best year ever by donating food and other items!
The last day donations will be collected is Monday, December 11.

MOST NEEDED ITEMS:
Baby Items: diapers, formula
Cereal
Canned Meals
Canned Meats
Canned Fruits
Foil
Hygiene Items: toothbrushes, shampoo, soap
Paper Items: toilet paper, paper towels
There is a great need for chaperones for TOLO!
Please email Arty Christianto as soon as possible if you are able to chaperone for TOLO. Thank you in advance!
NEWS ABOUT INCOMING 5TH GRADE SIBLINGS

If you have a current 5th grader who is planning on coming to IS next year for the 2019-20 school year, your student will have a guaranteed spot as a sibling, but you must apply

Applications will be available from January 7, 2019 at 9:00 AM through February 1, 2019 at 4:30 PM . The applications will be online at  www.bsd405.org . The entire process is handled online and overseen by the Bellevue School District’s Student Placement Office.
PICK UP YOUR POINSETTIAS AND WREATHS THIS TUESDAY !

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 4, 3:00-5:00 PM, THE COMMONS

If you purchased Poinsettia Plants and/or Wreaths, Tuesday, December 4  is your day to come pick up all your orders. (Please  DO NOT have friends or family who ordered from you come to pick up orders —you are responsible for picking up all the orders.)   
   
You must pick up your order on TUESDAY!   
   
No need to pick up teacher or staff gift plants . . . we will deliver those for you!

The Class of 2019 thanks you for your support of their graduation activities! They had a record sales year: 619 plants & 98 wreaths sold!!

If you have any questions, please contact keri.s.cable@comcast.net or jennifer.pascho@live.com .
NEW FRENCH HOSTING AND TRAVEL OPPORTUNITY FOR STUDENTS IN 2019-20 SCHOOL YEAR
 
The IS French Department is excited about a new hosting and travel opportunity that will begin in the 2019-20 school year. We are joining the Passepartout program in which 2-4 students from Nantes, France will spend the first quarter with a host family from our school. Second semester, 2-4 of our students from those same host families will spend either the full semester or just the 4th quarter with their corresponding families in Nantes.
 
Given our students’ course load, this program is particularly well suited for Sophomores. This immersion experience promises to be culturally and linguistically enriching (and really stands out on a college resume). We held an interest meeting for students on Wednesday, 11/30, during lunch. There will also be an informational meeting for parents on Tuesday, 12/11, at 6:30 PM in the IS library , where we will provide details and answer questions.

For more information about the Passepartout program, click here . If you have any questions, please contact Joe Kheriaty  kheriatyj@bsd405.org  or Traci Sullivan  sullivant@bsd405.org . We look forward to hearing from you!
FIRST HIGH SCHOOL BAND CONCERT OF THE SCHOOL YEAR THIS THURSDAY

The first high school band concert of the year will be on December 6 at 6:30 PM in the IPAC . Come hear our Concert Band, Wind Ensemble, and Jazz Band play pieces such as " Viva la Vida " and "The Avengers". Friendly ushers will welcome you to the concert and keep you entertained between pieces. 
SPRING MUSICAL AUDITIONS MONDAY, DECEMBER 10

Auditions for the spring musical, Into the Woods , are December 10, after school in the IPAC. Students should come prepared with a one-minute monologue and one minute of a song of their choosing. All are welcome!
IF YOU WAKE UP TO ROADS LIKE THIS, HOW DO YOU FIND OUT IF SCHOOL IS CLOSED OR ON LATE START?
 
As we head into the winter season, families are encouraged to become familiar with information about unexpected school delays or closures.
 
Families will be notified of changes to the school day via SchoolMessenger. Information can also be found on the  district website,   Facebook Twitter , FlashAlert , on the BSD Newsline by calling (425) 456-4111, and from local TV and radio stations.

The following is also available for review on the  district website:
  • schedule information for scenarios including delayed start, early dismissal, and school closures
  • altered bus stop locations

Download and print the Emergency Closure flyer:

For additional details please visit  www.bsd405.org/closure.
 
If school is on late start, you can click  here for the IS  one-hour -late schedule, and click  here for the IS  two-hour -late schedule.
STUDENT NEWS & COMMUNITY EVENTS
INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL FUN DRAISING OPPORTUNITY!

Bellevue Downtown Ice Rink at Bellevue Downtown Park

November 23-December 21, 2018 and January 1-13, 2019

When you skate at Bellevue Downtown Ice Rink and mention you are with International School at the admission counter, a $3 donation will be made to our PTSA for each paid rink admission during the dates listed above!

Visit bellevueicerink.com for skating hours, pricing, promotions, and special events.
STUDENT SPORTS & OPPORTUNITIES
WEDNESDAY SKI/BOARD BUS TO SNOQUALMIE PASS FROM INTERNATIONAL PARKING AREA

Starting January 9, 2019, bus leaves International School Parking area at 1:45 PM and returns at 7:45 PM. 

Run by International Snow Sports Program: info@snowsportsconsultingservice.com  or 206-406-0986

Registration deadline is Tuesday, December 11, 2018.

International School Parent Coordinators are Peg Arsenault (206-890-8085 or   pegarsenault@msn.com ) and Beth Cowie (425-894-2495 or bethcowie@hotmail.com ).

This program is independent from the Bellevue School District.
APPLICATIONS NOW BEING ACCEPTED FOR EPA'S PRESIDENT'S ENVIRONMENTAL YOUTH AWARD

The application period is now open for the Environmental Protection Agency's 2018 President's Environmental Youth Award (PEYA) program. The PEYA program recognizes outstanding environmental stewardship projects by K-12 youth, promoting awareness of our nation's natural resources and encouraging positive community involvement. Winners of this year’s awards will be invited to a ceremony in Washington, D.C., in mid-2019, and have their project mentioned on EPA’s website.

EPA will select up to two winners in each of EPA’s 10 Regions—one regional winner for Grades K-5 and one regional winner for Grades 6-12. All student projects must be sponsored by at least one adult over the age of 21.
Click here for application and eligibility information. Applications are due February 1, 2019. Please contact  PEYA@epa.gov with questions.
THE BOOM EXPERIENCE PAPERWORK DUE SOON

Bellevue School District is proud to announce that the BOOM (Break Out Of the Margin) Experience will be taking place again this year at Bellevue College during the school day on Tuesday, December 11 . The BOOM Experience is a program open to all male BSD students in grades 7–12 and is designed especially to reach those that racially identify as Southeast Asian, Pacific Islander, African, Black, Latino, Native American, or mix of any. This program provides an opportunity for these students to connect, be inspired, find support, and to be led and taught by men who also racially identify like them. Students will spend the day learning and engaging in discussion around race, culture, leadership and self-empowerment.
 
IS students who are interested in participating in the BOOM Experience, please remember to turn in your BOOM permission slips to the office by December 5 . You also need to register online —hurry, breakout sessions are filling up fast. If you need help, have questions, or didn’t get a permission slip, stop by and see Sara Clarke in Room 111 .

More details on the event and registration are available on the BSD website here .
BELLEVUE BOYS LACROSSE CLUB—REGISTRATION OPEN

Bellevue Boys Lacrosse Club serves boys in grades K-12 who reside and/or attend feeder schools within the Bellevue High School boundary area. The Bellevue Lacrosse program is dedicated to developing players at every age and any skill level. They are committed to providing first-class experiences to players and families in our community.

In the last nine years, the BHS Varsity team has played in the state championship eight times and won the state title seven times. Visit their  alumni page   to see where their athletes are playing in college. For more information about their programs  click here  .

Visit their website at   bellevuelacrosse.com   to register for spring season now. Early bird discounts available through December 31, 2018. Registration closes January 15. If you're still thinking about it, c  heck out their website for details about their free TRY LAX day on December 9.
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.